Jo Palmer was elected to the Legislative Council in August 2020, as a Liberal endorsed candidate, representing the electorate of Rosevears. Rosevears covers the West Tamar area from Greens Beach and Beauty Point down through to Riverside, as well as the Launceston suburbs of Trevallyn, West Launceston, Summerhill and Prospect.
Jo Palmer has four children and lives with her husband and their family in West Launceston.
Having grown up in Trevallyn, the majority of her life has been spent in the West Tamar.
As a journalist and news presenter for 24 years, Jo has been the voice and face of numerous charities with a focus on children, medical research and people with disabilities, which saw her awarded Tasmanian of the year.
Jo has always been passionate about strengthening community, supporting people to reach their full potential and has great belief in the power of education.
She believes a hand-up offers far greater long-term benefits than a hand-out and is committed to the importance of individual responsibility.
With your support she will be your trusted voice for Rosevears in Parliament and within the State Government.
Jo was appointed to Deputy Leader of the Legislative Council in May 2021 and membership of the Sessional Committee Government Administration B, Government Business Scrutiny Committee B, Estimate Committee B, Select Committee on Taswater, Deputy Chair GAB Committee for Disability Services in Tasmania, Road Safety in Tasmania Select Committee and Joint Standing Committee on Integrity.
In April 2022 Jo was sworn in as Minister for Women, Minister for Primary Industries and Water and Minister for Disability Services. Since then she has also held the portfolios of Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Minister for Community Services. She now serves as Minister for Education and Minister for Disability Services.