Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, has announced that he will seek re-election at the next federal election, which is expected before late May next year.
“I am as determined as ever to continue to represent Clark and to help the community however I can,” Mr Wilkie said. “So it was an easy decision to re-contest at the next federal election. With trust in the major parties at an all-time low, it’s more important than ever that we have independents who work hard for their communities and strive to hold the Government to account.
“While I’m busy across all areas of public policy, my particular interests have always included gambling reform, climate change, animal welfare, asylum seekers, and foreign and security policy. I’m also determined to address all the things that matter greatly to the community, such as the endless problems with the health system, including mental health, rapidly worsening traffic congestion, the housing crisis and miserable rates of government pensions payment. Much of this goes directly to the soaring cost of living.”
Andrew created international headlines in 2003 when he was the only serving intelligence official in the world to resign publicly in protest over the lies justifying the invasion of Iraq. He served for 20 years in the Army, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel, and several more years in the intelligence world. Andrew has also worked for a large US corporation, owned a small business in Hobart and is a published author. Andrew was first elected to Parliament in 2010, is married and has two daughters and three step-sons.