The President of the Tasmanian Division of the Liberal Party, Chris Gatenby, has today announced that Susie Bower will be the Liberals' candidate for Lyons at the next federal election.
"Lyons is being taken for granted by the Labor Government and the community is well and truly fed up with the current Labor member," Mr Gatenby said.
"Susie Bower is already a leader in the community and we are thrilled that she has put her hand up once again.
"Susie is a formidable community campaigner. She won a 13 per cent swing to her at the last election, and polled six thousand more primary votes than the Labor candidate, which given the overall outcome of the election was a stunning result. While she fell short due to preference flows, Lyons is now one of the most marginal seats in Australia. By pre-selecting Susie early, we are giving her the best possible chance to win back the seat as a strong Liberal candidate from Labor's do-nothing incumbent MP."
Susie Bower said she was honoured to be selected by the Party and is looking forward to getting back on the campaign trail.
"My priority is to stand up for Lyons and be a strong voice for my local community," Ms Bower said.
"The key issues I'll be fighting for are tackling Labor's cost of living crisis, supporting jobs in the community, especially jobs for young Tasmanians, and standing up for Lyons' fair share of health, education and infrastructure funding so that we can make Lyons the best place in Australia to live, work and raise a family.
About Susie Bower
- Lives at Westbury
- Grew up in Chudleigh and Deloraine
- Studied at the University of Tasmania
- Has spent over 20 years working in local government and the higher education sector in regional Tasmania and has broad management experience
- Currently the Chief Executive Officer - Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, working in collaboration with government and community to support growth, investment and business diversification in the George Town and Tamar Valley regions. The BBAMZ aim is to lift the profile of the Bell Bay zone locally, nationally and internationally as well as build a sense of community pride in the region. 59% of manufacturing exports in Tasmania are produced in the Zone.
Ms Bower has previously held roles as:
- Director of Community and Economic Development at the Dorset Council in North East Tasmania, including managing the $3.5m world-class Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails project and establishing four new scholarships for rural students wishing to pursue higher education
- Business Lecturer and Discipline Teacher at the University of Tasmania Launceston, and Business Manager for the Institute of Regional Development at the University's Burnie Campus.
- Meander Valley Councillor (2018 - 2021)
- Policy interests include regional development, community advocacy, advanced manufacturing, education, renewables, local government and health.
