Liberal Senator Wendy Askew Retires from Tasmanian Senate Seat as One Nation Gains Ground
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Wendy Askew has announced she will not recontest her Senate seat at the next election, leaving the position open for a new candidate. One Nation's surge in popularity has positioned the party to potentially win one or two Senate seats in Tasmania, with analysts suggesting the Liberal's second seat is now at risk. The retirement highlights broader shifts in voter preferences toward parties over individual candidates, particularly benefiting One Nation in the current political climate.
Senator Wendy Askew, who was appointed to the Senate in 2019 and won election in 2022, has decided not to nominate for Liberal preselection, ending her parliamentary career after a term and a half. Former Tasmanian Liberal minister Sarah Courtney is expected to nominate for the now-open seat. Political analyst Kevin Bonham notes that Askew's departure is less significant than broader electoral trends, as most Senate incumbents have minimal impact on party voting patterns. One Nation's recent surge in popularity has positioned it to potentially capture one or two of Tasmania's Senate seats, with Labor's third seat and the Liberals' second seat both considered vulnerable. The shift reflects voter preference for party affiliation over individual candidate recognition, though exceptions exist for high-profile figures like former Labor senator Lisa Singh.
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- ABC AustraliaCenter
Senator Wendy Askew resigns with fellow Liberals, One Nation eyeing seat
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