Protect Children, Trust Families and Defend Freedom – why I will vote against the Greens’ conversion practices bill
Protect children. Trust families. Defend freedom. That's where I start when considering the Greens' proposed law dealing with sex, gender and so-called "conversion practices". I have serious concerns about the Greens' proposed 88-page law to control what Tasmanians...
Northern Economic Plan – unlocking Northern Tasmania’s potential
The roadmap for Northern Tasmania’s next decade has been released, focusing on unlocking investment, creating jobs, strengthening industries and ensuring the region remains a destination where people choose to live, work, visit and invest. In July, the Tasmanian...
Ensuring Fairer TasWater Charges for Tasmanians
In Parliament, I called for fairer TasWater charges for Tasmanian households, sporting clubs and businesses. I raised concerns about cases where customers are facing unreasonable sewerage charges because of the number or size of their water connections. I am working...
Getting the Balance Right on Firearms Security
Below are two of my speeches from this week in Parliament on the Firearms Amendment (Strengthening Firearms Security) Bill 2026 to amend the Firearms Act 1996: This week I spoke in Parliament about strengthening firearms security and our responsibility to get these...
Why won’t Labor stand up to Canberra on older Tasmanians’ health insurance rebate cuts?
Tasmanian Labor moved to water down our motion calling on the Albanese Government to reverse its proposed changes to private health insurance rebates for older Tasmanians. https://youtu.be/0rcwdotd9so Their amendments changed “will” to “may”, removed acknowledgement...
Nepal Condolence Motion | “We are grieving with you”
I spoke in the Tasmanian Parliament to support the condolence motion following the devastating tragedy in Nepal. https://youtu.be/CvUJdpRRnYA?si=a9QrTFGEXYLYb2K5 Nepal holds a special place in my heart. Some years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Kathmandu and...
Speech: A Veteran’s Incredible Gift | Michael’s Vietnam Veteran’s Day Tribute
Mr FERGUSON (Bass) - Last Remembrance Day, I was at the Hobart Cenotaph. When I see a person seated on their own, I often take the opportunity to go and sit beside them. That's what I did on this occasion, and I got to know Craig Valentine, a very nice man who lives...
Protecting students while preserving parental choice, freedom of belief and pluralism
Joint Dissenting Statement Michael Ferguson MP and Mark Shelton MP Protecting students while preserving parental choice, freedom of belief, and pluralism What the majority would not allow this Report to say: Faith-based schools form a longstanding part of Tasmania's...
Parliament passes stronger protections for Tasmania’s war memorials
Tasmania’s Parliament has passed Michael Ferguson MP’s Police Offences Amendment (Increased Penalties for Damage to Tasmanian War Memorials) Bill 2026. The Bill increases penalties for people convicted of interfering with war memorials and war memorial areas. It...
Tasmania Responds as H5 Bird Flu Is Confirmed
Tasmania has today recorded its first confirmed detection of H5 bird flu. The virus was detected in a wild brown skua at Rocky Cape on the State’s North-West Coast. While this is a serious development, Tasmanians can be assured there is no confirmed outbreak in our...
Tribute to Elaine Gee
In Parliament, I paid tribute to Elaine Gee and acknowledged the profound impact of a recent tragedy on two families and communities across northern Tasmania. I spoke about Elaine’s life as a wife, mother, nurse, colleague and friend, and recognised her more than two...
Rushy Lagoon is the wake-up call we all need to hear
The sale of Rushy Lagoon has focused attention on the Federal Government's decision to bankroll a foreign buyer to purchase Tasmania's largest farm. But something bigger and more worrying is happening. Government policies aiming for net zero emissions are changing the...
Statement from Michael Ferguson
Over recent weeks there has been considerable speculation about whether I would make a move to Senate selection. I’ll be honest, I have given this opportunity serious thought and talked it through with Julie, our family and people whose judgement I value. I'm grateful...
Parliament Speech: The lie that is killing Australian men
Important Note: This video and post discuss men's mental health, self-harm, and suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings for you or someone you know, please remember you do not have to carry it alone. Immediate, free, and confidential help is available 24/7. Call...
A short observation of dark mofo today.
The team at dark mofo couldn't come up with anything more original than the cross of Christ. It seems to come back every year. Fair enough I suppose - it's certainly a powerful symbol. To invert it is interesting. Some feel that it is deliberately irreverent. Is it to...
Parliament Speech | Thank a First Responder Day
On the June 17 I spoke about the remarkable spirit of service and gratitude alive across Northern Tasmania. I recently partnered with Fortem Australia for National Thank a First Responder Day, extending our local campaign by two weeks to ensure everyone had ample time...
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...