Liberal Party selects former adviser Chris Gatenby to fill Senate vacancy
The Liberal Party has appointed former Premier Jeremy Rockliff adviser Chris Gatenby to replace Senator Wendy Askew, while a ex-state minister will succeed Jonno Duniam later this year.
Chris Gatenby, who previously advised Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, will take over the Senate seat vacated by Wendy Askew. The party also plans for former minister Sarah Courtney to fill the vacancy left by Jonno Duniam when his term ends. The new Senate ticket for the upcoming election lists Gatenby first, Courtney second and Latrobe councillor Jacki Martin third. Former chief of staff Brad Stansfield was not included on the slate. Both Askew and Duniam had announced they would not seek preselection, prompting the casual vacancies.
Why it matters
The appointments reshape Tasmania's representation in the federal Senate and signal the Liberal Party's candidate strategy.
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