Allison Ritchie was raised and educated on the Eastern Shore and has a long record of community service, advocacy and public leadership.

She was elected Deputy Mayor of Clarence in 2022 and has used the role to pursue practical outcomes for residents while continuing to work directly with individuals, sporting clubs, community organisations and local businesses.

Before entering local government, Allison represented Pembroke in the Tasmanian Legislative Council for eight years. She was privileged to serve as part of the Jim Bacon Labor Government and later served as Minister for Planning and Workplace Relations. Her roles also included Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Development and membership of the State Government Budget Committee.

Allison became the first woman to have a baby while serving as a Member of the Legislative Council. She subsequently advocated to successive Australian Governments for a national parental leave scheme.

Allison developed a reputation for strong grassroots electorate work and helped establish a model of accessible electorate-office representation so local people could obtain practical assistance directly within their community.

Allison has extensive leadership experience and a detailed understanding of government, budgets, planning and legislation, as well as how local communities can work effectively across all levels of government to achieve outcomes.

Her community leadership has included service as inaugural President of Boxing Tasmania, Assistant Secretary of the Clarence RSL Women’s Auxiliary, Patron of the Rosny Park Tennis Club, Board Member of Oakdale Services Tasmania and Patron of the Association for Children with Disability. In 2009 she founded People Protecting Children to advocate for child safety and legislative and systemic reform.

In 2023, Allison was inducted into the Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women for her contribution to community, advocacy and inclusion; government and public services; human rights; and sport and recreation.

Since 2016, Allison has served as General Manager of Hobart PCYC. Her career has also included experience in business, agriculture, government and the not-for-profit sector.

Allison is married and has two children with her husband, David. Clarence is not simply the place Allison represents — it is the community in which she grew up, loves and has spent much of her life working.