Mar 17, 2026
The Tasmanian Government is strengthening protections for the State’s war memorials, with the introduction of the Police Offences Amendment (Increased Penalties for Damage to Tasmanian War Memorials) Bill 2026 in the House of Assembly.
Liberal Member for Bass, Michael Ferguson, said the Bill responds directly to community concern following the recent vandalism of the St Helens Cenotaph.
“War memorials are places of remembrance, honouring the sacrifice of Tasmanians who served our nation,” Mr Ferguson said.
“They hold deep meaning for local communities and the veterans whose service they commemorate.
“This Bill increases the maximum penalties for interfering with a war memorial and introduces a mandatory minimum fine.
“Too often communities, councils or RSL sub-branches are left covering the cost of repairs after acts of vandalism.
“This Bill ensures that those responsible are required to pay for the damage they cause.”
The legislation also allows courts to require offenders to perform community service in the community where the offence occurred.
“This helps ensure offenders give something back to the community whose shared respect for its war dead and veterans has been insulted by the vandalism of a memorial,” Mr Ferguson said.
“We are delivering for Tasmania by sending a clear message that we will not tolerate vandalism of the memorials that honour our veterans.”
Mar 4, 2026
Speaker, I rise to support this motion on behalf of the people of Bass. I speak with both sorrow and resolve. Last month, I travelled to Bondi to pay my respects in person. I spent the afternoon with the Chabad of Bondi community, meeting with Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, speaking with men and women of the congregation, and being guided through their shul, their synagogue. (more…)
Feb 21, 2026
The Tasmanian Government will increase protections for the State’s war memorials.
Liberal Member for Bass, Michael Ferguson, said recent incidents of vandalism in Tasmania and interstate were a stark reminder that threats to these sacred sites are real and growing. (more…)
Dec 10, 2025
Thank you sincerely for purchasing a ticket in our Community Christmas Raffle and for supporting the Launceston Community Christmas event.
Because of your generosity, $1,150 was raised to help make this year’s event possible — a wonderful result that will directly support Tasmanians experiencing isolation or hardship this Christmas. Every dollar raised through ticket sales will go to the Launceston Community Christmas, with all prizes generously donated.
Now in its tenth year, the Launceston Community Christmas is an important place of connection, dignity and joy on Christmas Day. The event is delivered by an outstanding group of local charities: Launceston City Mission, Vinnies, The Salvation Army, CatholicCare and the Launceston Benevolent Society. I really must emphasise that your support has helped them to continue this vital work.
Whether or not your ticket was drawn, please know how deeply I appreciate your support. By taking part, you have helped ensure that many people in our community can share in a welcoming Christmas meal and a sense of belonging on Christmas Day.
Thank you again for your kindness and generosity, and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
Jul 14, 2025
Print out this information and take it to the polling booth with you!
How to vote for Michael Ferguson MP, your Liberal MP for Bass:
- First, find Michael Ferguson on your ballot paper, and mark the square with the number 1.
- Then, vote 2 – 7 for the other Liberal candidates in order of your preference.
To find a list of places where you can vote on 19 July, please click on this link.
To find a list of places where you can vote early, please click on this link.
