Former Tasmanian Labor leader eyes off federal tilt

Rebecca White says she wants regional Tasmanians to have a strong voice in Canberra. (Rob Blakers/AAP PHOTOS)

Former Tasmanian opposition leader Rebecca White will contest the upcoming federal election, as Labor looks to expand the number of seats it holds in the Apple Isle.

Ms White, who led Tasmanian Labor to three state election defeats, will run for the party in the seat of Lyons at the next poll, due to be held by May.

She is hoping to replace incumbent Labor MP Brian Mitchell, who has held the electorate since 2016.

Lyons is one of the tightest electorates in the nation, with Labor winning it with a 0.9 per cent margin in 2022.

Ms White said she wanted to advocate for Tasmanians in federal parliament.

"I care very deeply about making sure that regional Tasmanians have a strong voice in Canberra," she told reporters on Tuesday.

"I know that I can bring the experience that I have and the skills that I have to make a real difference in delivering outcomes for our community."

Rebecca White and Anthony Albanese (file image)
Anthony Albanese believes Rebecca White would be a valuable asset for federal Labor.

The announcement came as Labor also said Senator Anne Urquhart was stepping down from the upper house to run in the seat of Braddon, in northwest Tasmania.

Braddon is held by Liberal Gavin Pearce on an eight per cent margin and is seen as winnable by the government, with Mr Pearce not running for re-election.

Senator Urquhart was first elected to represent Tasmania in 2010 and re-elected in 2016 and 2022.

Her current term expires in 2028, meaning Labor will need to appoint a replacement to fill the vacancy.

"I will fight for the best for this region, that's my priority," Senator Urquhart said alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday.

Labor was hoping to win the Tasmanian marginal seats of Braddon and Bass at the 2022 election, but both had swings to the coalition, defying national trends.

With the upcoming election tipped to result in a minority government, the government is looking to gain ground in Tasmania.

The prime minister wants to retain majority government, despite opinion polls showing Labor is behind the coalition.

"I'm confident. I'm about (a) majority Labor government," Mr Albanese told reporters in Devonport on Tuesday.

He said Labor had a strong chance in Tasmania.

"I've encouraged both (Senator Urquhart and Ms White) to run, because I want the strongest possible team, and we have a great team from Tasmania, but we want more," he said.

"We have that mix of experience but ... I want to see more electorates held by Labor members."

Mr Albanese will soon announce Labor's candidate for the neighbouring seat of Bass, held by Liberal MP Bridget Archer on a slim 1.4 per cent margin. 

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins holds the Tasmanian seat of Franklin by almost 14 per cent.

The announcement about candidates comes after Tasmanian Labor senator Carol Brown announced in July she would step down from assistant ministry positions due to health reasons.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store