Tas Nats Latest News

PRESS RELEASE 30 March 2026

THE NATIONAL PARTY LAUNCHES TOOL TO TRACK FUEL SHORTAGES

Rick Mandelson, Chairman of the Tasmanian National Party, today called on residents of Tasmania to report fuel shortages in their area using a new website, www.nofuelhere.com.au as communities across regional Australia feel the sting of the nation’s fuel crisis.

“Regional Australians don’t have the luxury of jumping on a bus or working from inside the home. Fuel is how we get to work, how we get our kids to school, how our businesses and farms keep running. When the pumps are empty, our communities grind to a halt.”

“I’m asking every local resident who has experienced a fuel shortage, or knows someone who has to report it at www.nofuelhere.com.au . Every report strengthens our case to the Albanese Government that regional Australia needs its fair share of fuel security.”

The website, launched by The Nationals, allows Australians to quickly log fuel shortages at their local service station. Reports are aggregated to provide MPs and Senators with hard evidence of where shortages are occurring and how severely communities are being impacted.

Australia, which imports around 90 per cent of its refined fuel, has been particularly exposed by the war in Iran.

 Mr. Mandelson said the government’s response had been inadequate for regional communities.

“The Albanese Government says there’s no shortage just, a distribution problem. That is cold comfort if you’re in Longford and the only local servo is out of unleaded or diesel. Regional Australia can’t wait for Canberra to catch up.”

 This problem is real, just recently a rural property near Oatlands had the best part of 1,000 litres of diesel stolen, we don’t need more talk we need action, regional communities are hurting. When will those in Canberra wake up.

 Residents are encouraged to report fuel shortages at: www.nofuelhere.com.au ENDS

 Richard (Rick) Mandelson – Party Chair of the Tasmanian Nationals rick.mandelson@tasnationals.org.au

0413 299 193

PRESS RELEASE 19 February 2026

TASMANIAN NATIONALS – NO BAN ON GREYHOUND INDUSTRY

The Tasmanian Nationals today join the community in urging the Legislative Council to block this betrayal.

State President Rick Mandelson said the Nationals stood shoulder to shoulder with the Tasmanian Greyhound Industry and all those who participate in and benefit from this sport.

The Tasmanian Nationals oppose the banning of any industry, sport or community activity. “It is lazy policy and undemocratic,” said Rick Mandelson.

“This is another example of big government imposing it’s will on our citizens”

While we understand there may have been incidents that cause concern amongst some members of our communities, punishing everyone for the sins of a few is not fair or reasonable. We encourage responsible reform and the enforcement of the rules, regulation and legislation that ensure best practice in the industry.

In 2016, a Government Joint Select Committee investigated greyhound racing and gave almost unanimous support for the industry. There was one dissenter – Cassie O’Connor of the Greens.

Days before the last state election, the Greyhound Industry was given assurances from the Liberal Premier of the party’s support. A few weeks later, the Premier backflipped to gain the numbers to form a government. The Greyhound Industry was thrown under the bus, destroying jobs, reducing economic activity in our rural and regional communities and depriving Tasmanians of a source of social interaction and fun.

We understand that many Tasmanians are not particularly interested in greyhound racing, some may even dislike it. But consider the next time the Government decides to ban something for political expediency. It might be something you do care about. What’s next? Bushwalking, cricket, fishing, hunting, or camping?

We ask all members of parliament to stand up for the rights of Tasmanians to pursue their interests, hobbies and sports without Government banning it. Perhaps the Government should turn its focus to other more important issues such as housing, health, and our massive debt problem.

Richard (Rick) Mandelson – Party Chair of the Tasmanian Nationals rick.mandelson@tasnationals.org.au

0413 299 193

PRESS RELEASE 16 January 2026

TASMANIAN NATIONALS POSITION ON GUN LAW CHANGES

 State President Rick Mandelson said the Tasmanian Nationals totally opposed any changes to current gun laws.

”The Tasmanian Nationals opposed the further eroding of the rights of individuals to go about their lawful activities both sporting and work related”.

The changes we need are not to gun laws. What Australia needs is,

• Stronger vetting of immigrates based on the premise of what’s best for
• Reduction in immigration numbers
• Mandatory deportation of any non-citizen who breaks our laws

Let’s stop destroying our country by letting in those that wish to harm our way of life. Let’s welcome those that wish to contribute and join us in the Australian Dream.

Mr Mandelson urged all members of Parliament regardless of their party to “Put Australia First”, we need to “do what’s right” for all Australians.

“We don’t need more laws; we need to enforce the ones we have! If someone steals a firearm they should be imprisoned, if someone knowingly has a stolen firearm in their possession they should be imprisoned.”

Our States and Federal Governments need to cooperate and work together.

“We don’t need more laws and red tape, we need our governments to show leadership and strength and enforce the laws we have, and stop sucking up to the woke, left wing special interest groups.”

Tasmanian & Australia FIRST.

Richard (Rick) Mandelson – Party Chair of the Tasmanian Nationals rick.mandelson@tasnationals.org.au

0413 299 193