The posts below outline paul’s proposed plan for a kind, vibrant Launceston.
What would it take to establish an open air gym – a Palestra – in Launceston?
Po: Could Launceston establish a network of exercise parks around the city and suburbs to promote weight training, movement and social connection?
What would it take to scale efforts to prevent suicidal distress, reduce suicide rates, and improve support systems in Tasmania?
Po: Could we work together to build better systems and supports to significantly reduce suicide rates in Tasmania? Can we aspire to the zero suicide goal in our state?
What would it take to provide “startup incubator-like” support to “sole traders” working in the NDIS and My Aged Care in Tasmania?
Po: Could Tasmania lead the nation in the delivery of a suite of supports to help sole traders run sustainable micro-businesses and address low business literacy, isolation, and burn out.
What would it take to make winter heating more affordable and address a root cause of ‘fuel poverty’ in Tasmania?
Po: Could Tasmania deliver "affordable warmth" to vulnerable groups by retro-fitting poorly insulated and energy inefficient homes?
What would it take to establish a regular Preventative Health Survey in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could a triennial survey monitor the health and wellbeing of the Launceston population, and could the data inform policy and improve programs?
What would it take to use superheated bricks to store renewable energy for heavy industry in Tasmania?
Po: Could Tasmania lead the way with zero-carbon thermal storage of excess renewable power and support the viability of existing and new heavy industries requiring high-temperature heat?
What would it take to scale the industrial hemp sector, diversify product range, and grow jobs in Tasmania?
Po: Could Tasmania become the nation's leader in premium, sustainable industrial hemp? Could we achieve deep vertical integration from paddock to premium product range?
What would it take to expand land return to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community?
Po: Could Tasmania identify Crown Land, national parks or reserves for handback or co-management?
What would it take to establish a Treaty Authority and deliver a treaty in Tasmania?
Po: Could Tasmania deliver a treaty respecting the sovereign rights of Aboriginal people and make real restitution?
What would it take to establish a formal truth-telling body with real powers in Tasmania?
Po: Could Tasmania authentically recognise and tell the real history of Aboriginal dispossession and cultural suppression?
What would it take to deliver on a Tasmanian Care Economy Wage Strategy and be a national leader in valuing care workers?
Po: Could a co-designed strategy lift wages, secure care, value workers and deliver better care in rural and regional Tasmania?
What would it take to close Tasmania’s gender pay gap, boost productivity, retain key workers, and create a fairer economy for all?
Po: Could Tasmania lead the country as a small nimble state by taking practical steps to close the gender pay gap faster?
What would it take to expand access to justice in Tasmania, and give vulnerable individuals and families a fair go?
Po: Could we better support Community Legal Centers and Legal Aid to help those who can't get timely, affordable legal help?
What would it take to create dedicated pool of housing to support Allied Health Professionals in training in Tasmania?
Po: Could Local and State Governments create a pool of housing for allied health students completing prac and address student hardship?
What would it take to improve disclosure rules for Councillors in local government in Tasmania?
Po: Could the City of Launceston ensure disclosure of Councillor's allowances, income source, affiliations, and meeting logs occur in each Meeting Agenda?
What would it take to accelerate progress toward a zero annual road toll in Tasmania?
Po: Could Tasmania lead the nation in the use of "opt in" telematics technology to reduce the road toll? Could we become the safest and cheapest place to drive?
What would it take to better protect the private information of Australians from secret data harvesting by big tech companies?
Po: Could more robust privacy legislation, and greater community awareness, better protect citizens in this age of surveillance capitalism?
What would it take to support everyone in Launceston to feel a sense of connection and belonging?
Po: Could the people of Launceston address social isolation and loneliness together; becoming a city of better-connected people, with deeper bonds, and greater resilience?
What would it take to invest in “best in class” rehabilitation services in the Tasmanian prison system?
Po: Could Tasmania lead the nation in rehabilitation of prisoners, transforming lives, reducing recidivism, and lower the human and economic toll of crime?
What would it take support more community gardens and improve healthy food access across the City of Launceston?
Po: Could Launceston lead the state in food justice, eradicate "food deserts" and transform access to healthy food for all?
What would it take to use innovation and “Social Impact Bonds” to address pressing social issues in Tasmania?
Po: Could Tasmania lead the nation in using "pay-for-success" contracts to tackle some of our most intractable social issues?
What would it take to deliver a more flexible education system for those experiencing school attendance difficulties?
Po: Could Tasmania design, fund and deliver a more responsive system that works for all young people, including "school can't"?
What would it take to support every Tasmanian to have the highest standard of care at the end of their life?
Po: Could Tasmania lead the nation in resourcing and delivering "best in class" palliative care and end-of-life supports?
What would it take to pay living wages while care economy workers study in Tasmania?
Po: Could a "Care Associate" living wage training model achieve the growth required in the care economy workforce in Tasmania?
What would it take to establish a nation leading Child Endowment Fund supporting every child in Tasmania?
Po: Could savings accounts seeded by government at birth help young Tasmanians pay for education, housing or life start-up costs?
What would it take to increase youth engagement in shaping the future of the City of Launceston?
Po: Could the use of digital tools and additional forums amplify youth voices and expand youth engagement in local government decision making?
What would it take to strengthen our democracy and lower the voting age to 16 years in Australia?
Po: Could we better reflect young people's stake in the future by granting them the right to vote in all elections?
What would it take to end “dual voting rights” and make Tasmanian local government elections fairer?
Po: Could termination of the General Manager's Roll provision re-establish the fair and just principle of "one vote, one value"?
What would it take to improve public health through reduced consumption of sugary drinks and foods in Australia?
Po: Could a tax on sugary products, reduce consumption, improve diets, reduce obesity and raise funds for health programs?
What would it take to scale investment in fall prevention programs in Tasmania and support all seniors to age safe and well?
Po: Could investment in strength training programs for seniors improve quality of life and avoid the suffering and economic costs of falls?
What would it take to transform residential aged care into more “home-like” communities across Tasmania?
Po: Could Tasmania lead the way by scaling the use of the Green House Model of aged care and foster a higher quality of life for our senior citizens?
What would it take to listen deeply to ratepayers and balance the City of Launceston budget?
Po: Could we make better use of technology to identify community spending priorities and produce a balanced budget with minimal rate increases for residents?
What would it take to increase the rate of all Centrelink payments and reduce poverty and inequality across Australia?
Po: Could we lift around 3.3million Australians, including over 760,000 children, out of poverty for good by increasing income support payments?
What would it take to strengthen consumer protections and prevent financial insolvency in Australia?
Po: Could stronger lending law and regulatory reforms protect more Australians from bankruptcy?
What would it take to ensure every young Tasmanian graduates school with strong financial literacy skills?
Po: Could Tasmania lead the country in the provision of financial literacy education?
What would it take to replace the Tasmanian flag with a contemporary design and more representative symbols?
Po: Could the Tasmanian Government engage the community in a robust debate and design process to refresh the state flag by 2030?
What would it take to ban greyhound racing, re-home dogs, and transition industry workers in Tasmania?
Po: Could the Tasmanian government end the harm to dogs, save public money, and transition affected industry workers by 2029?
What would it take to create a generation of change makers with the skills to design solutions to real-world challenges?
Po: Could the City of Launceston host an annual competition that invites students to design solutions to current local, regional or global challenges?
What would it take to attract more tourists using recreational vehicles (RVs) to the City of Launceston?
Po: Could Launceston take further practical steps to cater for the needs and preferences of RV travelers and boost our economy?
What would it take to rapidly “grow our own” care economy workforce and meet the needs of all Tasmanians requiring support?
Po: Could strategic investment in the training of care economy workers address the challenge of the rapidly growing support needs of Tasmanians?
What would it take to increase participation in community bike riding in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could we accelerate initiatives to make Launceston more bike friendly, and improve health through an increased number of people riding in our region?
What would it take to establish the City of Launceston as the national leader in inclusive work opportunities for all?
Po: Could our community deliver inclusive work opportunities for older people and people with disability and help secure good work for all?
What would it take to establish “cradle to career” support for all vulnerable children and young people in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could we break the cycle of generational poverty by surrounding Launceston's children with a system of supports at every life stage?
What would it take to make school sporting infrastructure available for public use in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could greater public access to sports courts, school ovals, and gyms boost participation in exercise?
What would it take to establish the City of Launceston as one of the most livable regional cities in the world?
Po: Could our city attract and retain more people by being a leading place to live, study, work, raise a family, and age well?
What would it take to decisively address socio-economic disadvantage in Tasmania and pursue a state of seven zeros?
Po: Could we ignite change by more clearly reporting on progress being made to address socio-economic disadvantage in Tasmania?
What would it take to promote innovative thinking and celebrate the sharing of ideas?
Po: Could local "Five Minute Thesis" and "Visualise Your Idea" Competitions promote innovation and position Launceston as the creative capital of Tasmania?
What would it take to inspire and support generations of change makers in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could Launceston create Tasmania's first vertical school and train citizen scientists for generations to come?
What would it take to improve the sustainability and comfort of all cold, damp and energy inefficient homes in Tasmania?
Po: Could the introduction of Energy Performance Certification for all homes in Tasmania support the development of targeted retro-fitting programs?
What would it take to increase the energy efficiency, sustainability and comfort of new homes in Tasmania?
Po: Could Tasmania transition to the internationally recognised Passivhaus (Passive House) building standard by 2035?
What would it take to celebrate the rich history of Festivale via a return to the original “multi-cultural street party”?
Po: Could a Festivale "Origins" event return the party to the CBD streets and celebrate the multi-cultural history of the City of Launceston?
What would it take to establish an annual multi-faith festival in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could an annual multi-faith festival build increased tolerance and respect for the diversity of religious and non-religious views in our City?
What would it take to strategically increase the number of people working in Tasmania?
Po: Could a combination of targeted immigration and "grow our own" strategies build the workforce we need in Tasmania?
What would it take to phase poker machines out of pubs and clubs in Tasmania?
Po: Could public health in Tasmania be improved if pubs and clubs transitioned from gambling machines to live entertainment?
What would it take to transition to an Australian republic with an Australian Head of State?
Po: Could we change our Constitution, become a Republic and have an Australian as our Head of State by 2035?
What would it take to re-establish festivals to celebrate the children of the City of Launceston?
Po: Could the City of Launceston partner with local groups and charities to host annual Children's Week Festivals?
What would it take to establish a successful ‘park and ride’ scheme in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could the City of Launceston reduce traffic congestion and pressure on parking with a world class 'park and ride' scheme?
What would it take to support healthy living in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could the City of Launceston collectively lose 500,000 kilograms and lead the way toward a healthier Tasmania?
What would it take to increase the use of digital democracy technology in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could we strengthen the use of technology to promote civic engagement, improve transparency, and enhance decision making?
What would it take to introduce the Junior Citizen of the Year Awards across the City of Launceston?
Po: Could we acknowledge the rich contributions of school age children to our community through an annual award?
What would it take to establish an annual Social Justice Lecture in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could an annual lecture focused on human rights and social justice promote stronger and deeper civic engagement?
What would it take to sustainably increase the population of the City of Launceston?
Po: Could the City of Launceston create four new eco-friendly suburbs and increase the population by 15,000 people by 2040?
What would it take to introduce a Charter of Human Rights in Tasmania?
Po: Could we create a fairer Tasmania via a Charter that enshrines rights, identifies responsibilities, and improves democratic freedoms?
What would it take to re-establish the health and usability of the Tamar Estuary at Launceston?
Po: Could the health of the River Tamar be restored to make it ecologically sound and recreationally vibrant by 2040?
What would it take to create a world class outdoor netball centre in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could the Hoblers Bridge centre be transformed into a sustainable all weather netball complex by 2035?
What would it take to build an iconic monument in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could we build a city defining monument that acknowledges the past and commits to a free, fair, and peaceful future for all?
What would it take to transform the City of Launceston into a “city in a garden”?
Po: Could additional investment in our street scapes transform Launceston into the most beautiful "garden city" in the southern hemisphere?
What would it take to enhance public spaces with murals in the City of Launceston?
Po: Could the City of Launceston beautify its public spaces and showcase the creativity of our artists with the installation of 50 murals by 2040?
What would it take to adequately fund addiction and recovery supports in Tasmania?
Po: Could economic and social wellbeing in Tasmania improve through genuine investment in addiction and recovery supports?
What would it take to ensure gambling companies return stolen money to victims?
Po: Could a change to gambling control laws in Tasmania see money that is stolen and lost via gambling returned to victims?
What would it take to attract more international film and TV projects to Tasmania?
Po: Could a production hub at Mac Point and a suitable attraction strategy put Tasmania in front of the world?
What would it take to ensure every child succeeds in Tasmania?
Po: By measuring and investing in what matters to childhood development could Tasmania become the most child friendly state in the nation by 2040?
What would it take to make the fight against high inflation fairer?
Po: Could a temporary increase in the portion of employee wages directed to retirement savings be a fairer way to tame inflation than increasing interest rates?
What would it take to rename the Batman Bridge in Northern Tasmania?
Po: Could the controversially named Batman Bridge be more appropriately titled Kanamaluka Bridge by 2029?
This one time I helped create the FindHelpTas service directory
paul worked with other sector leaders to design and deliver the first Tasmania Electronic Service Directory
This one time I led Tasmanian Community Programs at Australian Red Cross
paul initiated change for fourteen weeks, four days and forty seven minutes at Australian Red Cross in early 2024
What would it take to increase sporting infrastructure in the City of Launceston’s suburban parks?
Po: Would new basketball and netball courts installed in our suburban parks boost participation in exercise?
This one time when I supported a Make-A-Wish fundraiser
paul was out of his comfort zone but pushed on to support a good cause in Winter 2000
This one time I saw hope after the Port Arthur massacre
paul witnessed a shift in the behaviour of a belligerent student following the tragedy in 1996
This one time in India I was intimidated by an armed security guard over a Muppet
Security at the Gateway to India in 2016 was 'next level', and paul caught the attention of an overzealous security guard
This one time I helped a friend to take the next step
paul had an exceptional friend who he helped to explore a career in teaching in the mid 1990s
This one time when I failed at maths but found inspiration
Level 3 Maths was a stretch for paul. But without taking a step backwards he may never have met two special people.
This one time we studied North America’s Indigenous population but completely ignored our own
paul believes the 1980's Tasmanian school curriculum's silence on Tasmanian Aboriginal history was deliberate and racist
This one time during the International Year of Peace we did nothing of value
Are schools houses of attention, or detention? paul reflects on the missed opportunity to engage students in the pressing issues of 1986.
This one time when I saved a puppy but couldn’t save a human life
paul took time to reflect on the role of government to create a safe community after witnessing a train accident in 1998
This one time when I passed my driving test but failed a former friend
paul learned the lesson of 'he who hesitates is lost' in the Spring of 1991
This one time when I tried to build an environmentally friendly home
paul had to deal with some numpties on the way to building an enviro-house in 2005
This one time when I learned the difference between the pursuit of excellence and perfection
paul's reading of Michael Jordan's book, "I can't accept not trying" helped put a few things in perspective
This one time when I built a mega gym in a day
paul believes access to quality and affordable fitness and recreational opportunities is a key to improving the health of the community
This one time I was told I was long in the tooth
paul was lucky to have private health cover but access to quality and affordable health care should not be about luck
This one time when I worked beside a former Deputy Prime Minister for two days
paul was keen to support the labor movement but feared becoming a political apparatchik
This one time when I did nothing of value while on high school ‘work experience’
paul was keen to explore the world of hotel management but spent the week as free labour
This one time I didn’t mind being called names
paul’s confidence grew as a result of some unexpected friendships
What would it take to deliver portable long service leave to all community sector workers?
Po: Portable long service leave has been available in some sectors for decades. Isn't it time to make it available for care economy workers in Tasmania?
This one time Pop whittled me a cricket bat fit for Thor
paul's paternal grandfather was a man of few words, but his actions spoke loudly
This one time when I wagged last period to go buy a special book
paul left class early to fulfil a purchase that had been two months in the making
This one time when I won the Presidency of Tasmanian Young Labor
paul won the ballot through dumb luck and beat a future Premier in the process
This one time when I was knocked off my bike by an inattentive driver
paul was t-boned with a four wheel drive bull bar and knocked into the middle of the road
This one time when I was stuck in a toilet cubicle
paul's thesis sought to shine a light on the lived experiences of high school students at the turn of the century
This one time I narrowly escaped a physical assault… my mate wasn’t so lucky
paul was affected by the assault of his friend and the legal aftermath
This one time when I hustled my way into my first part time job
paul started paid part-work at 14 years old receiving less then $5.00 an hour
This one time, on Maths-Science Camp, there was panic at the disco
paul attended a special extension camp, but it didn't end well
This one time when I avoided a pub brawl by running like Forrest Gump
paul was enjoying one of the best nights out, until it wasn't
This one time I taught myself to swim… butterfly
paul learned to swim by watching others train and practicing by himself over and over again
This one time when I allegedly stole my own bike
paul's passionate about cycling, but he hasn't had a lot of luck
This one time when I took my first trip on a plane
paul's first interstate experience did not occur until he was 16
This one time when I stopped to remember my peers who had passed
paul recognises the impact of his peers on his own approach to leadership
This one time when I got my first computer
paul's access to a home computer at age 10 was a privilege
This one time when I resolved to be an active Ally
paul was determined to show his support for LGBTIQA+ communities
This one time I got hooked on architecture and building design
paul believes we must focus on the 'essential use' value of housing as the foundation for lives well lived
This one time I cheated to get on a kids TV game show
paul represented his school on the Tasmanian production of Quiz Quest
This one time when I was six I went out in the cold dead of night
paul woke up and couldn't find his Mum, so he went searching
This one time when I supported a dedicated team to implement The Sanctuary Model
paul sought to nurture a socially, physically, and psychological safe work environment from 2011-2016
This one time I made the team but I didn’t get to play
paul completed pre-season training with Launceston Cricket Club in 1986, but missed the summer competition
This one time I had a liked-minded mate and then he died
paul was reminded by Jeremy Ball to not seek to be the best in the world, rather to seek to be the best for the world
This one time after I graduated high school I went back
paul circled back to his Grade 10 mentor after all his peers had left
This one time on a study tour of India I was overwhelmed
paul's study trip to India held many lessons, the most important was learning when to quit.
This one time when I was seven I fled school to see my Mum
paul can recall being a highly sensitive person from a very young age
This one time when I lost my Pop
paul's paternal grandfather was a tough, tormenting old bugger
This one time when I ran for City Council and lost
paul was the only candidate, out of 19 running, that lived in the northern suburbs of Launceston
This one time when I was made redundant and I dug deep
paul was made redundant after 15 years of dedicated service in 2016
This one time when I attempted to run for the seat of Bass in the federal election
paul announced his candidacy to run as an independent in the seat of Bass in 2016 and then hit a wall
This one time when I led my own Personal Training business
paul worked as a personal training from 1994, and ran his own (very) small business in the early 2000s
This one time when I supported refugees in Launceston to share their stories
paul worked with others to listen to, and amplify, the voices of Afghani refugees in Launceston in 2002.
This one time when I led and published research on the State of Launceston’s Children
paul worked with others to publish the evidence on levels of childhood disadvantage in Launceston in 2014.
This one time when I led a family homelessness prevention program
paul worked to prevent Launceston families from becoming homeless from 2002-2008.
This one time when I led operations for The Smith Family
paul led the Learning for Life initiative in Tasmania from 2017-2020.
This one time when I campaigned to free refugees
paul helped a local refugee family that was wrongly incarcerated in 2002.
This one time when I led the Financial Counselling Service
paul led the Financial Counselling Service in Tasmania from 2008-2016.
This one time when an 11 year old obliterated my self esteem
paul's experience of disfiguring acne laid the foundation for his reserved approach to social engagement
This one time when my neighbour taught me a lesson
paul learned to listen with head and heart in the summer of 1990
This one time when my teacher nurtured me
paul's teacher saw a spark and nurtured the emerging servant leader inside
This one time when I realised I struggled with spelling
paul navigated his difficulty reading and spelling by learning to learn
This one time when I crashed my first car
paul reassessed his priorities after surviving a serious crash in 1995
This one time when I was booted from Scripture
paul's love for books began in the Primary School library after being permanently excused from Scripture
That one time when I was bullied relentlessly
paul's experience of bullying in the late 1980's influenced his life path
This one time when I studied Fuel Poverty in the UK
paul studied how to address fuel poverty while on fellowship in the UK in 2009
This one time when I studied for my PhD and failed to submit, but found my life’s work
paul studied but did not complete his PhD at Flinders University 1998-2001
This one time when I studied to be a Teacher and then never taught
paul earned a Bachelor of Education (Hons) from the University of Tasmania 1993-1996
This one time when I led Gamblers Help
paul led the Gamblers Help service in Tasmania from 2011-2016.
This one time when I led Communities for Children
paul led Communities for Children in Northern Tasmania from 2010-2016.
What would it take to strengthen local government in Tasmania?
Po: Would six city councils and three regional "doughnut" councils provide strong local government in Tasmania?
