Edwin Batt is a lawyer, former Magistrate and farmer whose family has lived and worked in the Southern Midlands area for nearly 200 years.

His grandfather was instrumental in helping to build Tasmania’s first hydroelectric scheme – and Edwin understands that Tasmanians own the Hydro and should have a Tasmanian price for Tasmanian power.

After practising as a barrister and a Magistrate for 23 years on the mainland, Edwin returned to work as a wool classer and farmer on the family sheep farm, ‘Woodlands’ at Melton Mowbray.

Edwin is passionate about helping members of his community, and sees a need for better access to justice for people living in rural and regional areas, particularly older Tasmanians and those experiencing family violence issues.

Edwin’s experience with the Southern Midlands Navigate Family Services, established by his wife Martine, has also demonstrated the need for better mental health services for young people in rural and regional areas, especially those in need of family support.

Edwin also wants to contribute to developing agriculture as an industry – and wants to bring his expertise to the Tasmanian Parliament to improve people’s lives and give everyone access to the services they need.