Preselections: Groom and WA Liberal Senate

Early manoeuvres for a Liberal vacancy in a looming federal by-election, and a preselection to fill Mathias Cormann’s Senate seat set for November 7.

With Newspoll and Essential Research both having said their piece this week, there is likely to be a fortnight gap between federal polls. Not counting state and territory election action, which you can be assured you will be hearing more about shortly, there are two important preselections on the boil on the conservative side of politics:

• A situation is vacant for the Liberals in the Toowoomba-based federal seat of Groom following last week’s resignation announcement from John McVeigh, the member since 2016. In a column for the Brisbane Times, former Newman government minister and current 4BC presenter Scott Emerson says the vacancy presents an opportunity to head off a stoush over the order of the next Senate ticket between James McGrath and Amanda Stoker. The winner of this fight will get top position while the loser must settle for third, second being reserved for the Nationals. Emerson reports that this amounts to a battle between moderates and the Christian Right, of which McGrath is apparently one of the former. The suggestion is that Groom might give McGrath an opening, but in this he could face opposition from locals who support the claim of Toowoomba councillor Rebecca Vonhoff. Suggestions the seat might be of interest to another Senator, Matt Canavan, are complicated by the fact that he is a National, the sensitivity of which was illustrated when the LNP organisation blocked an attempt by the seat’s previous member, Ian Macfarlane, to jump ship from Liberal to the Nationals in 2015.

• Nathan Hondros of WAToday reports the Liberals will hold their preselection to fill Mathias Cormann’s Western Australian Senate vacancy on November 7, with the winner to take third position on the party’s ticket at the next election behind Michaelia Cash and Dean Smith. There would appear to be three nominees: Julian Ambrose, stepson of the late Perth construction billionaire Len Buckeridge; Sherry Sufi, an arch-conservative party activist; and Albert Jacob, former state Environment Minister and current mayor of Joondalup, who emerged as a “last-minute nomination”. Jacob held the coastal northern suburbs seat of Ocean Reef from 2008 to 2017, when he was defeated in the landslide the tipped the Barnett government from office. Cormann is reportedly lobbying for Ambrose, and his backers are pressuring Sufi to withdraw.

Author: William Bowe

William Bowe is a Perth-based election analyst and occasional teacher of political science. His blog, The Poll Bludger, has existed in one form or another since 2004, and is one of the most heavily trafficked websites on Australian politics.

2,450 comments on “Preselections: Groom and WA Liberal Senate”

Comments Page 41 of 49
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  1. Bugler

    Apparently she took Rachel’s side against Andrews in the “opinion is the same as a finding” argument, because she read the transcript, but when she went back and listened to the actual presser, she realised that she had attacked Andrews unfairly so she will apologise tomorrow on air.

  3. zoomster,

    Urgh, as much as some commentary around those two journalists in particular makes me a bit uncomfortable (they do ask some pertinent questions from time to time and no-one deserves outright abuse), their behaviour at times is bizarre.

    My pet peeve at the moment with them is asking the same question, why information gained in contact tracing isn’t used to fine people, day after day as though they seriously expect the reasoning to change.

  6. MB

    I’m not so gloomy on the prospect of a Trump second term mainly because i don’t expect him to win but the American political system really only elects presidents for 6 years because once the next round of midterms takes place the sitting president becomes a lame duck.

    I hope you are correct that USA democracy will remain intact after another Trump win.

    My concern is that Trump and the (World) movement behind him have calibrated just how far they can go in dismantling democracy so that they will not lose power again.

    Viktor Orban in Hungary provides a masterclass in this. He got control of parliament, reduced the number of parliamentary members by 30%, in a way that ensures Fidesz will never be in danger of losing another election. 10 -15% of Hungary’s people have voted with their feet and left the country. They are young, highly-educated and professional. Other countries are grabbing them.

    History repeats itself: The Men from Mars helped defeat Hungary in WWII: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Martians_(scientists)

    Italy has now done the same thing, under the imprimatur of the Five Star movement.

    An unfortunately large number of people in our democracies have been persuaded that “politicians” are the “problem”. And so, they will enthusiastically get behind anyone who promises fewer of them. Or anti-politicians like Trump.

    Democracy is dying, but so few of us are aware of this.

  9. D&M
    I share that concern which is why i bring up the reactionaries needing to be put in their place because they are becoming more convinced in their worldview and see Trump has their leader so while Trump would soon become a lame duck but his movement will feel more powered that ever before. You only need to watch Sky after dark to see how the likes of Paul Murray see Trump as a hero.

  12. Joel Fitzgibbon
    @fitzhunter
    ·
    Sep 30, 2020
    Great news re the Narrabri Gas approval. Now the Hunter gas pipeline please. Cheaper energy, more jobs & a smoother transition to a lower carbon economy. The Hunter can remain the powerhouse of NSW @APPEALtd
    Country Independent
    @JohnEClements
    Given its the most expensive gas at well head in Australia how will it reduce gas prices Joel?
    5:08 PM · Sep 30, 2020

  13. D&M

    History repeats itself: The Men from Mars helped defeat Hungary in WWII: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Martians_(scientists)

    ____________________________________

    I’ve never heard of them being called martians before. I had a look through their Wikipedia entries. Every one of the scientists listed was either Jewish, or had whole or part-Jewish ancestry. It says something about the own goal of anti-semitism that most of them left Hungary because of this.

  14. Rex Douglas:

    Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 4:19 pm

    [‘Did Albanese give a ‘major’ speech today ?

    …on the same day as the POTUS 2020 debate ..??’]

    Most in this country aren’t interested in what’s going on in the US save for tragics.

  15. lizzie @ #1994 Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 – 5:59 pm

    I really found it hard to believe Paul Fletcher’s ideological determination to make everyone to suffer the same.

    The essence of his lecture to Jane Norman: “Many people have suffered cuts in income because of the Covid recession, therefore those at the ABC should also take cuts.” Subtext: greedy, unfair journalists.

    No point in reminding him that instead of all getting cuts, some have taken retrenchment. When Jane tried to argue, it was all “Let me finish”, and he repeated his statement.
    I suppose Ita must feel reprimanded.

    What about the executives that took generous bonuses from JobKeeper?

  18. Player One:

    Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 6:17 pm

    [‘It’s going to be a race between us and democracy. My money is on us.’]

    Agree. After Trump’s performance today, his base will be emboldened but those who mostly count will be turned off. I confidently predict that Biden will be president come January 20 – nowhere near the best nominee but who will return the US to a least modicum of normalcy.

  21. Tony Windsor
    @TonyHWindsor
    ·
    5m
    Nothing surprises me anymore … the LNP, supposedly the party of markets won’t support a market mechanism on emissions but believes high cost gas from Narrabri will drive gas prices down. More short term posturing from Morrison’s mob (and Joel the spokesperson)

  22. Player One

    Once upon a time you could credibly be a feminist and a conservative.

    That time has passed. Both here and in the USA.

    Interesting proposition, and I know that Prue Goward and Geraldine Doogue both consider themselves feminists.

    And I guess by their own lights they were, fighting to do professional jobs and get childcare etc.

    But I have never felt comfortable with that type of feminism.

    Poverty is a problem for all people, but children, and the women who care for them, often with little help, are so often the victims.

    Unless you are trying to make the lot of these women better, then I dispute the term feminist.

    I cannot see where at a Federal level, the Liberal party has made the lot of poor women, and their children better.

  23. TPOF

    I’ve never heard of them being called martians before. I had a look through their Wikipedia entries. Every one of the scientists listed was either Jewish, or had whole or part-Jewish ancestry. It says something about the own goal of anti-semitism that most of them left Hungary because of this.

    Yes, the “Men from Mars” all has Jewish heritage. A big own goal for Hungary, in the 1920s, under Admiral Horthy.

    Hitler repeated the mistake in Germany, in 1933, fairly shortly after he took power. Hans Bethe, Einstein, Lisa Meitner (in Austria after the Anschluss in 1938) , they all were forced to flee, and all took valuable knowledge about nuclear physics with them.

  24. Hmm – tried to correct “has” to “had” in my first sentence above, but have not been able to make the edit stick. So “all has Jewish heritage” should read ” all **had** Jewish heritage

  26. D&M
    Many Liberal women voters found in posh Liberal electorates are into feminist issues and in many cases the issues are bring driven by those Liberal women but where they differ from the left is on economics.

  28. Hmm – tried to correct “has” to “had” in my first sentence above, but have not been able to make the edit stick. So “all has Jewish heritage” should read ” all **had** Jewish heritage

    Edit function doesn’t work anymore. Broke down a couple nights ago.

  29. Rex
    the LNP, supposedly the party of markets won’t support a market mechanism on emissions but believes high cost gas from Narrabri will drive gas prices down…

    No one believes in markets, least of all the LNP. It’s the party of the moneyed elites. They ally with conservatives, the fearful, the religious, bigots and racists to make up the numbers.

  30. Lambie flushes Tehan’s Turd!

    https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6949532/lambie-to-vote-against-uni-funding-reforms

    Oh this is good: the hide of these elitist Tory swine to think they can punish some students with phenomenal fee hikes, and make access to law, Arts and Business an elite opportunity, just for private school kids like them.

    Lambie sez:

    “I’ll be damned if I’m going to be the vote that tells the country that poor people don’t get dream jobs,” Senator Lambie said.

    “This bill makes university life harder for poor kids and poor parents. And not only does it not have the same impact on wealthy families, it even gives them sweetheart little discounts.”

    It’s down to Stirling Griff of CA now. Don’t like Tehan’s chances.

    Hey Tehan: f*ck you.

  31. Many Liberal women voters found in posh Liberal electorates are into feminist issues and in many cases the issues are bring driven by those Liberal women but where they differ from the left is on economics.

    It’s a culture thing. Right wing women (e.g. Julie Bishop), who obviously believe in women’s equality, eschew the “feminist” descriptor and involvement in “womens rights” issues.

    In a similar way, no one on the left will describe themselves as a ‘patriot’, no matter how much they might love their country. The Right, especially the harder Right, owns “patriotism” and its symbols.

  42. Steve777

    And news that matters, Bunnings sausage sizzles are back in NSW and the ACT:

    What took the ACT so long ? Bunnings in Sandgropia have been sizzling for weeks. ACT has had 1/10 of bugger all cases of Teh Plague for ages.

  43. Victoria

    Rakali

    That happened last year
    ———-
    Yes, sorry, i put a last 24hr limit on internet searches but that did not seem to apply to videos!!

    My apologies

  45. Tony Koch
    @TonyKoc69285191

    If News Ltd was serious about the “40 ships” Morrison claims waiting to unload, they would do what they did dozens of times – send a photographer in a chopper for the great photo of the vessels at anchor. A real editor would get the true pic and call out the lying turd. #auspol

    And:

    Rorene: I Stand with Dan
    @platykitten

    Does anyone else think that a 2.5% wage increase being asked by the MUA is excessive?

    Lord Coalton
    @LeipzigSyd
    Replying to
    @platykitten
    I thought it was 6% over 4 yrs?

    Rorene: I Stand with Dan
    @platykitten
    Sorry should have then explained that they soon came down to 2.5. Patricks aren’t interested in the pay increase, it’s the rolling-over of the Agreement that they want to destroy. In other words the conditions!

    Sums it up pretty well.

  46. poroti @ #2042 Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 – 8:55 pm

    Steve777

    And news that matters, Bunnings sausage sizzles are back in NSW and the ACT:

    What took the ACT so long ? Bunnings in Sandgropia have been sizzling for weeks. ACT has had 1/10 of bugger all cases of Teh Plague for ages.

    Wonder if ACT Bunnings sausage sizzle is Sydney-style or Perth-style? I mean you know there’s a fundamental difference, right?

  47. C@t
    Just the usual union bashing. No fucking evidence of 40 ships off Sydney. Complete fake news in this case. A working class person is not allowed to earn good wages and conditions just because they are not an arse licking manager or Chairman of the Board. Fucking Newscorpse doesnt even pay tax in this country. Those workers are paying far more tax than the Murdoch scum ever will. The media are are a fucking disgrace.

  48. Spray

    I mean you know there’s a fundamental difference, right?

    I must confess that I do not know the difference let alone the existence of a difference.

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