Lara Maria Alexander (born 13 July 1967) is an Australian politician. She was a member of the

Tasmanian House of Assembly The House of Assembly, or Lower House, is one of the two chambers of the Parliament of Tasmania in Australia. The other is the Tasmanian Legislative Council, Legislative Council or Upper House. It sits in Parliament House, Hobart, Parliament Hou ...

for the division of

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since 2022, serving as a member for the

Liberal Party The Liberal Party is any of many political parties around the world. The meaning of ''liberal'' varies around the world, ranging from liberal conservatism on the right to social liberalism on the left. For example, while the political systems ...

before moving to the crossbench as an

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in 2023. Alexander was born in Romania. She is an accountant and holds a Bachelor of Economic Studies (Honours). She was general manager of Presbyterian Care Tasmania and in 2018 became chief executive officer of the

St Vincent de Paul Society The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP or SVdP or SSVP) is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the service of the poor. Started by Frédéric Ozanam and Emmanuel-Joseph Bailly de Surcy and nam ...

in Tasmania. She was an unsuccessful Liberal candidate for

at the

2021 Tasmanian state election The 2021 Tasmanian state election was held on 1 May 2021 to elect all 25 members to the Tasmanian House of Assembly. The incumbent Liberal Party of Australia (Tasmanian Division), Liberal First Gutwein Ministry, government, led by Premier of Tas ...

, and complained during the campaign of being prevented from speaking publicly by Liberal Party headquarters. In February 2022 she filled the vacancy caused by Sarah Courtney's resignation, winning a recount of votes. On 12 May 2023, ''

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'' reported that Alexander, alongside fellow Liberal John Tucker, would leave the Liberal Party to sit as an independent, in part due to concerns related to the proposed

Macquarie Point Stadium Macquarie Point Stadium is a proposed multi-purpose venue to be constructed at Macquarie Point in Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, Australia. The site is situated on prominent waterfront land between Hobart's historic port precinct and the ...

project. This left the Liberal party in minority government and requiring 7 seats to reach a majority in the next state election. At the next state election held in March 2024, Alexander lost her seat.

References

1967 births Living people Members of the Tasmanian House of Assembly Liberal Party of Australia members of the Parliament of Tasmania 21st-century Australian politicians Women members of the Tasmanian House of Assembly 21st-century Australian women politicians Independent members of the Parliament of Tasmania Romanian emigrants to Australia {{Australia-Liberal-politician-stub