Fresh push for senator
A PUSH for a second Gold Coast senator is gaining momentum after winning a prominent backer – federal MP Karen Andrews.
The McPherson MP is backing a push from LNP members to ensure the state’s newest senator is based on the Gold Coast.
There is a casual vacancy for a Queensland Senate seat after the retirement of former Attorney-General George Brandis, with his replacement to also come from the LNP.
Nominations close on Tuesday and a mixture of party members, MPs and organisational leaders will vote on Mr Brandis’s replacement.
Ms Andrews, who has sat in federal Parliament for nearly eight years, said she would only vote in support of a candidate who would be Gold Coast-based.
“It is vitally important we have another senator based here on the Gold Coast,” she said.
“I will only vote for some- one who is prepared to base themselves here and I hope there are a few good women putting their hands up.”
At least five nominations have already been received.
The Bulletin last week revealed four prominent Gold Coast identities had been mentioned as potential candidates by party figures.
But state MPs John-Paul Langbroek and Rob Molhoek, Councillor Cameron Caldwell and Gold Coast Titans chief executive Graham Annesley all ruled out a tilt at the position.
Currently the Gold Coast is represented in the Senate by Labor’s Murray Watt, who is based in Southport.
Previous local senators included Kathy Sullivan and the late Mal Colston.