Queensland Liberal Senator Gerard Rennick has been ousted from the party’s senate ticket for the upcoming election, following a preselection that took place at a state convention. Rennick lost his position to Stuart Fraser, who has served as the party’s treasurer for a long time. Fraser emerged as the winner by a close margin, with only four votes separating him from the former federal Young Liberals vice-president, Nelson Savanh. The two preselected candidates for the top spots on the ticket are Senators Paul Scarr and Susan McDonald.
Rennick has gained a reputation in the media as a renegade senator, with controversial views on various topics such as COVID-19 vaccines and mandates, immigration, renewable energy, and Ukraine. It is believed that his party loyalty and potential impact on voter support in Brisbane were among the factors that led to his removal from the ticket. Voters in Brisbane have recently shifted towards the Labor party at the state level and the Greens federally, posing a challenge for the Liberal National Party (LNP).
Notably, Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and several other sitting MPs and senators had previously expressed their support for Rennick. Dutton, in a written endorsement, emphasized that Rennick stands up for the values of the LNP and urged others to support him.
Rennick was part of a group of four Australian senators who demanded the release of contracts between the federal government and pharmaceutical companies involved in the production of COVID-19 vaccines. The motion was aimed at obtaining details about vaccine efficacy, side effects, and supply. Unfortunately, the motion was ultimately voted down in the Australian Senate.
Despite his removal from the ticket, the LNP expressed gratitude towards Rennick for his contributions and acknowledged his advocacy for Queensland since his election in 2019.
The LNP recently held a three-day state convention in Brisbane, where various resolutions were discussed among party members. Over 120 resolutions were put forward, covering a wide range of issues. Not all of these resolutions are guaranteed to influence state and federal elections, but they provide insight into the concerns and priorities of LNP members. Some of the resolutions include addressing microplastics and PFAS in the state’s water supply, developing a climate and energy policy, and opposing the redevelopment of the Brisbane Cricket Ground for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Energy and climate emerged as significant focus areas during the convention. The LNP called for support of nuclear fusion research, with the aim of transitioning to nuclear fusion electricity generation. They also highlighted the importance of protecting high-value agricultural land from the renewable energy sector’s development and complying with environmental regulations.
LNP Women, a section of the party that aims to foster women’s political engagement, also presented resolutions. They urged the next federal coalition government to review the treatment of paediatric gender dysphoria and suspend certain interventions until the review is completed. Additionally, LNP Women and the Miller branch called for housing developments that cater to vulnerable women, including those escaping domestic violence.
The LNP convention precedes the upcoming by-election on July 15 for the Fadden electorate in the Gold Coast City Council. The LNP currently holds this seat, with candidate Cameron Caldwell running for reelection.
In a recent budget reply, Queensland Opposition Leader David Crisafulli pledged to deliver Australia’s best public service and reduce reliance on consultants. He criticized the Palaszczuk government for its excessive spending on consulting firms and highlighted the need to empower the public service. The next state election in Queensland is scheduled for October 26, 2024.
In conclusion, the removal of Senator Gerard Rennick from the LNP’s senate ticket reflects the party’s concerns about his controversial views and potential impact on voter support. The recent state convention highlighted various resolutions and priorities for the LNP, including energy, climate, and women’s issues. The upcoming by-election and state election will be crucial for the party’s future prospects in Queensland.
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