Voting instructions and candidate statements for Brighton Council.
Voting is compulsory. Your vote must be received by 2pm on Tuesday 27 October 2026
Don’t delay – late votes won’t be counted!
There are 3 elections being held for Brighton Council:
As well as this booklet, your postal ballot pack contains:
Your ballot paper envelope is designed to keep your identity separate from your vote.
Successful candidates for mayor and deputy mayor must also be elected as councillors to be able to accept these offices. The elected councillors, mayor and deputy mayor will serve until October 2030.
Questions? Call 1800 801 701.
Postal services take a number of days, so it is important to complete and return your vote now.
Your vote must be received by 2pm on Tuesday 27 October 2026.
Don’t delay, late votes can’t be counted. Failure to vote may incur a fine.
Follow these five easy steps:
Candidates were invited to provide a statement and photo for your consideration. Statements are reproduced here as provided by the candidate.
Statements appear in alphabetical order but the order of names on ballot papers is rotated.
Number the boxes on each ballot paper from 1 onwards in the order of your choice.
For the election of 7 councillors, number the boxes from 1 to 10 in order of your choice. Number at least 5 boxes to make your vote count.
For the election of mayor, number the boxes 1 and 2 in order of your choice. Number at least one box to make your vote count.
For the election of deputy mayor, number the boxes from 1 to 4 in the order of your choice. Number at least one box to make your vote count.
Put your completed ballot papers in the ballot paper envelope, which is the smaller envelope with the wider flap, and seal it securely.
Sign your ballot paper envelope in the box on the flap to declare that you are the voter named on this envelope and you have voted on the ballot papers in this envelope. You must sign the envelope and leave the flap attached — or your vote won’t be counted. The returning officer will remove the flap with your details on it before opening the envelope.
Then put your ballot paper envelope in the reply-paid envelope — the larger envelope — and seal it.
Post your reply paid envelope straight away (no stamp needed), or take your vote to the Brighton Council office.
No candidate statement.
For five years, I have proudly served our community as your Councillor. I’m asking for your vote to continue that work and your support to serve as Deputy Mayor. I bring experience, a strong understanding of our community and a genuine commitment to standing up for what matters. I make responsible, considered decisions, and focus on practical solutions that make a real difference. With many opportunities ahead, I will provide steady, collaborative leadership while protecting what makes our community special. I look forward to continuing this work and helping shape a strong future for Brighton.
As an independent councillor, I am committed to Brighton Municipality’s future and to building a safe, sustainable community where people can live and thrive.My council experience includes serving as Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Emergency Management Committee as well as membership of the Planning and Environment, Audit, Heritage, and Waste committees. I have also represented Council on the Southern Fire Management Area Committee and the State Fire Commission.My vision Recreation improvements including walking tracks and amenities.Ongoing community safety initiatives, def
I believe Council works best when we listen, work together and put community ahead of personal differences. I have built a business from the ground up in the Brighton municipality, giving me proven experience in leadership, decision-making and problem-solving. As the youngest council area in Tasmania, I will represent people of all stages of life across our community and look forward to working collaboratively and constructively with fellow Councillors. I support continued investment and upgrades in our town centres, sporting facilities and public spaces while keeping Council costs affordable.
I am honoured to have been your mayor. I have dedicated myself to the role, working tirelessly for a progressive community that is inclusive, sustainable and cares. I value diverse opinions so nobody is left out. I am always available and will continue to keep the Council open and transparent. I again urge your support to re-elect me as mayor & councillor, there is still so much to achieve. I am 59, married to Prue, father of 4 and poppa of 2. I grew up in Bridgewater, now live in Brighton. I'm committed to this role, the future of Brighton & its people, each & everyone. Cheers Leigh.
I’m standing again for Council, this time stepping up for Deputy Mayor. I’ve loved representing our community over the past term and want to play a bigger role in our future. As the owner of Bonorong, I’ve been part of this municipality for over 20 years, and as a dad raising a young family, I know why great parks, roads and services matter. With enormous opportunities ahead, we need to manage growth well, improve waste and transport options while keeping rates among Tasmania’s lowest. I believe in positive politics — diverse views, respectful debate and working together to get things done.
I’m a local resident & Small business owner who enjoys helping other people. A current sitting councillor I have decided to stand for council again. What you see is what you get and full representation is what I have to offer for another term. I like working with all people & will be grateful for your vote at this election. If I can help ya give me a ring 0408543772. Vote 1 John McMaster
Relieving Cost-of-Living Pressures,Keeping rates low,Affordable Waste Solutions & Safer Public Transport are top of my list. Resident 43yrs,Mum of 5 & Experienced Councillor with extensive background in Community Service. I understand the difficulties many in our communities face. From establishment of tagari-Lia to moving motions advocating to increase the rate of Newstart, Providing Transport for local Fruit Pickers, Installing toilets at the park & working security when the buses got rough. I serve Public Interest,Listen to Individuals & take action by contributing to social benefit. Vote 1
Your #1 vote I will ensure your voice is heard. An independent, funding my own campaign, I answer to, & serve only you & community, not a political party. I'm an active TFS volunteer & community contributor, attending & supporting community events weekly. Council’s core business is Roads, Rates, Rubbish, & Recreation. Brighton performs the 4R’s well, but I believe we can do better. We're blessed to live where we do, & I'm intent on working with council to improve our lot to the absolute best of my ability, please consider me for re-election. Vote 1 - Phil Owen. Thank you. Ph: 0419333252
Having loved living in Gagebrook for the past 13 years, I care deeply about our community's future. You might know me through my work with Material Institute, 24 Carrot Gardens, Bond Place community garden, or as a volunteer parent at BYAG! I am excited to be standing for Brighton Council to bring a helpful, practical voice to our neighbourhoods. If elected, I aim to help give our young people a voice, support our local organizations, and ensure fair, accessible council services for everyone. I would be grateful for your vote and support to help build an even stronger Brighton together.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC) publishes candidate statements and photographs under section 284 of the Local Government Act 1993. It does so in line with published requirements determined by the Commission, which apply equally to all candidates.
Statements and photographs are optional and must meet the published requirements for inclusion. Each candidate is allocated the same amount of space, whether or not a statement or photograph appears.
Statements are the candidates’ own words, and they are responsible for their content and accuracy. The TEC does not verify factual claims or endorse what a candidate says.
The TEC makes only limited, standard changes needed for consistent publication of candidate statements and photographs. It does not otherwise correct, rewrite or alter a candidate statement, or change a candidate’s appearance.
If a statement or photograph does not meet the approved requirements for publication, the TEC contacts the candidate and, where publication timelines allow, gives them one opportunity to provide a replacement.