jim wilkinson tasmania2lrg

ACTIVISTS are running doorknocking training sessions in a bid to oust Nelson Legislative Council member Jim Wilkinson.

The national organisation Get Up! has organised training, on behalf of lobby group Nelson for Change, in Hobart next week to teach people doorknocking skills in a bid promote other candidates.

Mr Wilkinson has held the seat for 18 years.

GetUp! senior campaigner Carl Harris said last night the group had emailed members calling for help.

“We were asked for some help about the Nelson election by our members,” Mr Harris said.

He denied the move was to get around Electoral Act provisions that limit the funding candidates can spend on campaigns.

The group’s action came as nominations for the May 4 Upper House election closed yesterday.

Mr Wilkinson will stand against previously announced Greens candidate Tom Baxter, independent Helen Richardson and newcomer Hans Willink.

Last night, Mr Wilkinson said of the GetUp! action: “I have never know a campaign like it.

“It is obviously backed by the Greens with the obvious intention of supporting their candidate by spending as much money as they want to denigrate another candidate.

“The Electoral Act endeavours to create fairness, by allowing $14,000 in campaign expenditure by each candidate, and this is a backdoor way of creating unfairness. You can only imagine if the boot was on the other foot.”

Meanwhile, Mr Willink, a former army officer, public servant and IT consultant, declared his intention to run with a statement declaring his Liberal Party links.

However, state Liberal director Sam McQuestin moved quickly to distance the party from Mr Willink.

Author: Matt Smith
Publication: The Mercury
Publication Date: April 13 2013