George Razay
George Razay | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly for Bass | |
| Assumed office 19 July 2025 Serving with 6 others | |
| Preceded by | Rebekah Pentland |
| Councillor for Launceston | |
| Assumed office October 2022 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1955 or 1956 (age 69–70)[1] Syria |
| Political party | Independent |
| Profession | Medical doctor |
George Razay (Arabic: جورج رضائي; born c. 1955-56) is a Syrian-born Australian politician and medical practitioner. He was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly at the 2025 state election, running as an independent in the Division of Bass in the Tasmanian House of Assembly at the 2025 state election. He was previously elected to Launceston City Council in 2022 and worked as a geriatrician at Launceston General Hospital.
Personal life
Razay was born in Syria.[1] He later moved to the United Kingdom and became a British citizen in 1992. He renounced his British citizenship prior to standing at the 2022 Australian federal election in accordance with section 44 of the constitution, but was unable to renounce his Syrian citizenship as he had not completed compulsory military service and did not wish to return to the country.[2]
Medical career
Razay moved to Tasmania in the late 1990s, settling in Launceston and working as a geriatrician at Launceston General Hospital.[1] He was director of the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre in Launceston and held the title of clinical professor at the University of Tasmania. He undertook research into dementia and Alzheimer's disease, including links between Alzheimer's and obesity and the treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.[3]
Politics
Razay was an unsuccessful independent candidate for the House of Representatives at the 2022 and 2025 federal elections, running in the Division of Bass.[1] He was elected to a four-year term on the Launceston City Council in October 2022.[3]
At the 2025 state election, Razay was elected as an independent member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly in the seat of Bass, having previously run unsuccessfully at the 2024 state election. He polled 3.5 percent of primary votes in Bass but received strong preference flows.[4] He stood on a platform which included opposition to the Macquarie Point Stadium and "improving the health, education and housing systems" in the state "to turn Tasmania from one of the sickest states in Australia, to one of the most healthy, happy and active communities".[1]
External link
- "George Razay". Members of the Parliament of Tasmania. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
References
- ^ a b c d e Wallen, Scout (3 August 2025). "Who is George Razay, saxophone playing doctor, opponent of Hobart stadium and new Bass MP?". ABC News. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ Karp, Paul; Al Khawaldeh, Khaled (27 April 2022). "Australian minor parties condemn 'discriminatory' ban on dual citizens in parliament". Guardian Australia. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ a b "Cr George Razay". City of Launceston. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ "Bass - TAS Electorate, Candidates, Results". www.abc.net.au. 2 August 2025. Retrieved 2 August 2025.