Party plays down van Gend issues
THE Liberal National Party is playing down the impact a David van Gend preselection in Groom would have on its chances at the State election.
The Chronicle understands some party insiders are concerned if Dr van Gend is preselected by party members on Sunday it could hurt their chances at the state election just six days later.
This is because of controversial comments Dr van Gend has made relating to LGBT+ rights, abortion and other issues.
In the past, he has linked children of same-sex families to the stolen generation and said people could just stop being gay.
LNP acting president Cynthia Hardy said she would not comment on Mr van Gend’s views on those issues but said any of the seven candidates seeking preselection “would represent Groom very well”.
“We’ve got a preselection on Sunday afternoon,” she said.
“We’ve got seven fine candidates and nearly 600 party members in the Groom electorate.
“Members of our party generally select the right person to represent our seats and that’s what will happen.
“All of the candidates have been vetted.”
A pamphlet seen by The Chronicle features endorsements from a who’s who of Australia’s right wing media, including The Spectator editor Rowan Dean and columnist Miranda Devine.
“David is a happy warrior for all the right causes,” Ms Devine said in the pamphlet.
Dr van Gend also received endorsements from LNP Senator’s Matt Canavan and Eric Abetz in the booklet.
Dr van Gend lost preselection for the federal position to former MP John McVeigh in 2016.
The results at the time were reported to be very close.
Former Wellcamp Airport general manager Sara Hales, who is in the running for LNP preselection, has been endorsed by former Transport Minister and Federal MP Darren Chester.
“She was always highly professional, passionate and an effective advocate for her community,” he said.
Toowoomba Regional Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff has been endorsed by former Groom MP Ian Macfarlane.
Groom LNP members will vote on Sunday.