When Leadership Stalls, Communities Pay the Price

In a week of political turmoil, one thing has become painfully clear: when leadership stalls, it’s everyday Tasmanians—especially those doing it toughest—who carry the weight.

At Loaves and Fishes Tasmania, we don’t operate in theory. We work in the messiness of real life—in schools, food vans, kitchens, homes, and quiet conversations on hard days. And what we see is this: when Parliament becomes a battleground, the needs on the ground don’t pause. They intensify.

This isn’t a commentary on party lines or personal motives. It’s a call to remember that governance is ultimately about people. Real people. And right now, they need more than political manoeuvring or election fatigue. They need leadership that shows up, listens, and holds fast to what matters most.

We’ve long appreciated the Premier’s desire to lead with heart. But heart alone isn’t enough in a climate where polarisation, power plays, and performance politics can easily derail progress. What’s needed now is steadiness—leaders across the aisle who will choose service over survival, solutions over spin, and the long view over the next media cycle.

At Loaves and Fishes, we’ve built a model that integrates food, jobs, wellbeing, and dignity. We distribute thousands of meals each week, run training and employment programs, and provide chaplaincy and mentoring that helps people feel less alone. It’s not flashy—but it’s effective. And it only works when there’s stability, trust, and cooperation from every level of government.

We don’t need perfection. But we do need commitment—especially to those who don’t have a platform to shout for themselves.

So as Tasmania faces another possible election, we urge every elected member, candidate, and party to remember what’s at stake. This isn’t just about forming government. It’s about forming hope. And that can’t wait.

We’ll keep doing our part. We’ll keep showing up. But we’re calling on you to do the same.

– Andrew Hillier