Senator’s poll spot doubt
TASMANIAN Energy Minister Guy Barnett has backed Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck’s bid for pre selection in one of the top two spots on the Liberal senate ticket.
It comes as 65 Liberal Party preselectors consider eight candidates for the senate ticket amid a national push for more female candidates in winnable positions and a bid by failed Braddon candidate Brett Whiteley to resurrect his political career.
Political sources say candidates are visiting and telephoning the pre selectors in the run in to the September 15 pre selection meeting.
Well-placed sources believe Senator Colbeck is in danger of losing one of the top two spots but that he has been boosted by his appointment as assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources on Wednesday.
In 2016 Senator Colbeck was dropped to fifth position despite being the serving Tourism and International Education Minister in the Turnbull Government.
“I have every expectation that he will be treated with respect and honour as he should be, he has just been promoted to the Ministry by Scott Morrison the Prime Minister,” Mr Barnett said.
‘You couldn’t get a better person for the job as a senator for Tasmania.
“He is obviously the only senator running on that side of the ticket and of course it is a matter for the senate selectors and they should be respected in that regard.
Senator Colbeck did not back the petiton for a party meeting which ultimately led to the replacement of Mr Turnbull on Friday.
Sources said that before Senator Colbeck’s appointment it was shaping as a three horse race for the top two spots between Wendy Summers, the sister of sitting Senator David Bushby, Mr Whiteley and former Denison candidate Tanya Denison.
Pre selectors are juggling geographical and factional factors with five of the eight candidates hailing from the North West.
Meanwhile the Tasmanian Liberals Facebook page has been deluged with hundreds of comments and debate in the wake of the dumping of Mr Turnbull.
“The best Prime Minister we had has been dumped with the help of 3 Tasmanian Senators – I hope there are recriminations,” Margie Taylor of Launceston said.
“Tony Abbott was stabbed even after he stopped the boats as we had asked for. No sympathy for Malcolm he was all about ego,” Pat Corkery said
“Abetz and Abbott should be the first to fall on their sword. They tried twice in a week and failed. Time to take some accountability and leave,” said Andrew Vinson of Launceston..”
“To me, Malcolm Turnbull was never a true Liberal in the spirit with which Robert Menzies started and grew the party,” said Gary Quinlan.
“What an absolute embarrassment the Liberal party has become ..... shame shame shame,” said Mark Windridge.
“Really sad to see Malcolm go. Whilst Abbott remains I will never vote Liberal again,” said Madelaine Borlase.