Update from Michael Ferguson
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...
Vale Professor Richard Scolyer AO
From Bridgenorth and Launceston to the world, Richard Scolyer made a truly extraordinary contribution to humanity. As a fellow Northern Tasmanian, I am incredibly proud and grateful for the life he lived. Through his work, countless lives have been saved and improved,...
Thank a First Responder Day: A simple way to say Thank You in Northern Tasmania
Wednesday the 10th of June is Thank a First Responder Day. As Local MP for Bass, I want to really celebrate the people and services that look after us all. Throughout this week, our Bass community will be recognising the service of our local frontline personnel and...
Who are the people in your neighbourhood? Ravenswood gives the answer!
Tonight in Parliament I spoke about the remarkable spirit of service and perseverance alive in Ravenswood. I recently attended a fantastic community event hosted by Starting Point Neighbourhood House, centred around the theme: “Who are people in your neighbourhood?”...
Budget 2026 | Michael addresses the budget debate
In Parliament, I spoke in support of the 2026 Tasmanian Budget and the Government’s approach to fiscal sustainability, infrastructure investment and protecting essential services across Tasmania. I spoke about the pressures facing Tasmanian families and small...
“You Chased the Car and Caught It” – Labor’s budget hypocrisy
In Parliament, I spoke in support of the Treasurer and the Government during the debate on Tasmania’s Budget and fiscal sustainability. I argued that you cannot demand budget repair while opposing the measures needed to achieve it. I also highlighted the importance of...
Australian Musical Theatre Festival
Today in the Tasmanian Parliament, I spoke about the outstanding success of the Australian Musical Theatre Festival in Launceston and the extraordinary community effort behind it. From a packed Albert Hall concert to workshops, youth productions, cabaret performances...
Honouring Neale Daniher AO and the FightMND legacy
Tonight in the Tasmanian Parliament, I paid tribute to the life of the late Neale Daniher AO. A great Australian sporting figure, founder of FightMND, and the 2025 Australian of the Year. Neale Daniher inspired millions through his courage, humour, humility and...
Michael Ferguson MP speaks on the Tasmanian Budget
Budget backs Northern Tasmania with major health, road and school investments Treasurer Eric Abetz has delivered a responsible first full Budget at an important time for Tasmania. There is broad recognition that this is a period where governments must focus on careful...
2026-2027 Budget for Northern Tasmania
The Tasmanian Government is delivering a strong economy and caring community. The 2026-27 Budget makes the savings needed whilst continuing to deliver the essential services and build the infrastructure Northern Tasmania must have now, and for the future. Premier...
Protecting Victims and Communities
Today in the Tasmanian Parliament, I spoke in support of reforms relating to historical sexual offences, protections for vulnerable victims, and high risk offender laws aimed at improving community safety. The Justice and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments)...
Scottsdale Defence Research Centre sale
Tonight in Parliament I spoke about the Federal Labor Government’s decision to sell the Scottsdale Defence facility in North East Tasmania. The Scottsdale site has supported Defence food science, nutrition research and cadet development for decades. It has also...
Tribute to Lex Van Dongen
Friends, Lex lived his life in a way that gave life to others. To Sue, his children and grandchildren, we extend our sincere love and condolences. To many others, Lex was a loyal friend, a fellow Christian, a respected businessman and a servant of the community. Lex...
Police Offences Bill Speech | Stronger Laws for Safer Roads
When a driver uses their vehicle to intimidate or harm someone else on Tasmanian roads, that’s a serious and dangerous offence, not just expressing frustration. In Parliament, I spoke in support of the Police Offences Amendment Bill and the need to strengthen our laws...
Big shout out for Dorset
https://youtu.be/HIyB0ymHzvw Mr FERGUSON (Bass) - Honourable Speaker, I'm pleased tonight to rise, with a great deal of pride and gratitude, to acknowledge and reflect on the inaugural Dorset People and Business Awards, an event I attended last month. I was so pleased...
Financial management and standing up for Tasmania | Michael Ferguson MP Speaks in Parliament
You cannot demand more spending every day and then turn around and complain about the state of the budget. In this speech to Parliament, I call out that contradiction directly — and make the case for something better: consistency, responsibility and a genuine...
Free Bus Fares | A Practical Response to Cost-of-Living Pressure
UPDATE: The 2026-27 Tasmanian Budget provides funds to extend this free bus transport initiative for a further 12 months, until June 2027. Tasmanian families are feeling the squeeze from every direction. Higher interest rates, rising grocery bills, increased insurance...
Spoke to a Bloke – Launceston 2026
Tonight I want to speak about men’s mental health, because our men are in trouble, and we need each other. We love and appreciate the women in our lives. But as men, we also need to look after ourselves, and we need to look after one another. I intend to speak plainly...
Practical Action to Ease Fuel Cost Pressures for Tasmanians
Tasmanians continue to feel the impact of high fuel prices, driven by global pressures flowing through to the bowser. In response, coordinated action across all levels of government is delivering practical relief for motorists and households. Following sustained...