The Candidates Are Coming Out of the Woodwork!

Recently, Hobartians have been inundated with a growing parade of candidates appearing across the media ahead of this year's local government elections in October, particularly in Hobart City.

Why so early?

FOMO.

No, nothing to do with MONA, but a classic case of Fear Of Missing Out. And if you think you've seen plenty of candidates already, buckle up — there are many more waiting in the wings.

This will be Hobart's biggest-ever field of local government candidates.

Did someone say One Nation? Perhaps. But the bigger question is what these elections will mean for local government across Tasmania.

For the first time, all councils will see a reduction in the number of elected members. Will fewer councillors lead to better efficiency and quicker decision-making? Is it a cost-saving measure by the State Government? Or is it simply a stepping stone — or perhaps a diversion — from the long-running debate about reducing Tasmania's 29 councils to just five?

Questions worth asking.

To help make sense of what lies ahead, we speak with Nick Heath, former General Manager of Hobart City Council, who brings more than 30 years of local government experience and insight to the discussion.