This year saw the Legislative Council seats of Derwent, Mersey and Windermere come due for elections. Ivan Dean MLC, who was the incumbent for Windermere, decided to retire after 18 years of service.

The candidates for Windermere were Nick Duigan (Liberal Party), Vivienne Gale (Independent), Geoff Lyons (Australian Labor Party), Will Smith (Independent), and Rob Soward (Independent).

Nick with his wife Amanda and three daughters

After an eight (8) week full-on campaign, Nick Duigan was elected with 37% of the primary votes.

Nick Duigan’s Background

Nick has more than three decades on television, which included 20 years hosting the national fishing program Hook Line and Sinker.

Nick lives in Launceston with his wife Amanda and their three daughters Millie, Imogen and Eliza and sweet little Trixie the family dog. He has spent much of his career filming across Australia and his travels have reinforced how fortunate we are to enjoy the Tasmanian way of life.

Nick has also been an active member of local social, sporting, and recreational aviation communities, and has volunteered to support men’s health initiatives, the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Going Forward – Bringing Real Results for Windermere

Nick hard at work

I met Nick in his office in Henty House, Launceston on Monday 31st May 2021, where we discussed the 8-week campaign and what he learnt and what he is up to now.

Nick found the 8-week campaign full-on and all-encompassing. He found it a good thing being able to get out and do door knocking as it helped him to clear his head, meet people and find out what was concerning those in the Windermere electorate. Some of the concerns that were raised is general across the state and nation, and they are surrounding health and housing. Two of the biggest local issues are around the proposed development of recycling site in Forster Street, Invermay, and the health of the Tamar River.

The Legislative Council is there to ensure that the House of Assembly is producing quality legislation and should be independent from the major parties. Nick believes that in a utopian world this would be ideal. Nick pointed out, in his opinion, that the current make-up of the council consists 5 Labor members and 3 left-leaning independents. This has meant that the council has been a little obstructive, and being a member of the Liberal party, Nick wishes to make the council more balanced and ensuring all matters coming from the House of Assembly are reviewed and debated with the needs of the constituents in mind.

During the month of May, after the election results were officially declared, Nick has spent time in Hobart to undertake orientation, and to learn all the procedural matters which he is still getting familiarised with. Nick is enjoying the office in Launceston and interacting with constituents and helping them with their needs. Nick also is planning on making his presence known in George Town to ensure that the residents are listened to, and advocated for in Hobart.