You might have heard some speculation about my commitment to Bass and Tasmania.

I’ve given two decades standing up for the people of Bass in State and Federal Parliament as an MP, Minister and a loyal Deputy Premier, and working to improve Tasmania. Public service is a great privilege and I will continue to serve people in one way or another for the rest of my life.

My recent near-fatal car crash caused me to think deeply about how brief and fragile this life really is (and how important it is not to waste the days we’re given). None of us know what tomorrow brings.

Right now, my focus is where it needs to be. Next week the Parliament will consider a State Budget that includes a record $360 million investment in upgrades for the Launceston General Hospital, along with many other important initiatives for Northern Tasmania. These are things I’ve been working on for years and I want to get them done.

The people of Bass elected me to do a job, and that’s exactly what I’m focused on right now. I’m staying focused on helping deliver those outcomes and supporting the Government as it navigates what is likely to be another week of Labor’s typical political games and disruption.

Australia and Tasmania need good people prepared to step up and serve when opportunities arise. Australia also needs a strong alternative to Anthony Albanese’s dishonest and increasingly out-of-touch Labor Government. They have deceived the voters so many times and deserve to be thrown out.

My guiding light has always been serving God, King and Country. That means putting people first and personal ambition second.