Andrew Jenner is a notable public servant and politician, currently a candidate for Lyons in the 2024 Tasmanian State Election, representing the Jacqui Lambie Network. His extensive background in public service, both in the United Kingdom and Tasmania, highlights his dedication to transparent and accountable governance.
Andrew Jenner's career in public service spans several decades and continents. Originally from the United Kingdom, he served as a magistrate for 25 years, providing him with substantial experience in the judicial system.
Additionally, Jenner held the position of mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, where he managed the needs and concerns of 190,000 constituents. His roles in local government extended to serving as a cabinet member for tourism and a two-year presidency of the Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing his commitment to economic development and local business support.
Jenner is a staunch advocate for transparency and accountability in government processes, emphasizing the importance of local consultation and governance for effective decision-making. He believes that supporting frontline workers—including police, firefighters, paramedics, and nurses—is crucial, advocating for better pay and access to mental health services to sustain their well-being and efficiency in their critical roles within the community.
His professional background is marked by significant achievements and contributions to local government. As mayor, Jenner's leadership and decision-making capabilities were instrumental in managing the complex dynamics of a major tourist destination, balancing economic benefits with the community's well-being.
His tenure as a magistrate further underscores his dedication to fairness, transparency, and justice within the legal system.
Jenner's connection to Tasmania began in the 1970s when he emigrated to the island at 19 years old. After a significant period in the UK, he chose to return to Tasmania, moving to Lyons a decade ago.
His diverse experiences, including work in banking and teaching self-defense, along with his time in the UK, have enriched his perspective on public service and governance.
In the 2024 Tasmanian State Election, Jenner leads the Jacqui Lambie Network ticket for Lyons, securing 2,369 votes. He is vocal about his dissatisfaction with the current government's handling of major projects and investment in Tasmania.
Jenner proposes to leverage his extensive experience in local government to advocate for improvements in planning, infrastructure, transport, and overall governance in Lyons. He emphasizes the necessity of valuing and supporting frontline workers to ensure a resilient and thriving community.
Jacqui Lambie, the founder of the Jacqui Lambie Network, has expressed strong support for Jenner, citing his passion, experience, and understanding of local government as invaluable assets for the Tasmanian State Parliament. Lambie believes Jenner's background as a mayor and magistrate equips him well for the challenges of representing Lyons in the state legislature.
Andrew Jenner's campaign is driven by a commitment to transparent governance, local involvement in decision-making, and the support of frontline workers, reflecting his lifelong dedication to public service and community welfare.
The Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN), founded on May 14, 2015, by Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie, is a political party in Australia known for its populist and socially conservative stances. Initially part of the Palmer United Party, Lambie formed JLN to continue her political career independently, particularly to re-contest her Senate seat.
Key policies include the establishment of a comprehensive national apprenticeship, trade, and traineeship system involving the Australian Defence Force and TAFEs; the creation of dedicated Indigenous seats in parliament; and the support for implementing a carbon tax. Lambie has been a strong advocate for a royal commission into veteran suicide, opposing the government's preference for a National Commissioner and advocating for a solution that aligns with the desires of affected families and critics.
In terms of political finance, Lambie introduced legislation aimed at enhancing transparency by significantly lowering the disclosure threshold for political donations. On economic matters, she has campaigned to bolster Australian manufacturing to reduce dependency on imports, an issue highlighted by the challenges posed by COVID-19.
The party expresses strong concerns about foreign interference in Australian democracy and economy, specifically highlighting threats from China. Additionally, JLN supports the introduction of a financial transactions tax as part of its broader reformative and protective policies across various domains.
The JLN achieved electoral success in the 2022 federal election and the 2024 Tasmanian state election, marking its presence in both the Senate and the Tasmanian House of Assembly. However, in March 2024, Senator Tammy Tyrrell announced her resignation from the party to sit as an independent, indicating internal disagreements on representation and policy direction.
The Jacqui Lambie Network aims to reshape Australian politics by promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. The party seeks to represent diverse Australian communities, particularly those overlooked by mainstream politics, advocating for policies that directly benefit the underrepresented and economically disadvantaged groups.
It emphasizes the importance of community input in legislative processes and aims to bring real change by focusing on grassroots involvement and direct engagement with constituents.