Heavyweights fly in to support McVeigh
Peter Dutton back in town for pre-selection
FEDERAL Minister for Regional Development John McVeigh has won the LNP preselection vote for the seat of Groom.
In attendance, just two weeks after his last visit to the Garden City, was Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.
A majority of the party’s 218 members in attendance opted to keep Dr McVeigh in his job on Saturday morning.
The behind-closed-doors process played out at the City Golf Club where Dr McVeigh and challenger Isaac Moody both put their cases forward to party members as to why they should represent the electorate.
It is believed the Federal cabinet minister won by a margin of 3:1 after a lengthy debate.
Dr McVeigh brought in several members of the executive, including Coalition heavyweight Peter Dutton, who spoke to members of the party in support of the man he described as a good friend.
“John is someone that I have got to know both professionally and on a personal level since he has been in Canberra,” Mr Dutton said.
“He obviously came wellcredentialled after time in state government and in council.
“He is someone who has really impressed me and colleagues in Canberra as being an honest and forthright person.
“He has a great ability to deliver for his electorate and be a strong voice in Canberra.
“I wanted to show support for John because I think hes done a good job as a local member.”
Gabbinbar Homestead business manager Isaac Moody earlier claimed his opponent had “betrayed” the people of Groom when he voted ‘yes’ in the same-sex marriage plebiscite last year, stating his reason for running revolved around trust.
Dr McVeigh would not be drawn on whether issues raised by his opponent had been addressed with party members during the voting process.
“The members of the LNP in Groom have been through a decision-making process and have backed me going forward,” he said.
“And that is all I need to know.”
Mr Moody did not respond to a request to comment made by The Chronicle.