May 6, 2016
Newly elected Deputy Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington has promised she won’t be “slackening off” working for the electorate of Nanango, despite her new statewide role with the LNP.
Mrs Frecklington is the first woman to hold a leadership role with the LNP, although Joan Sheldon served as Liberal Party leader from 1991-98 and was Deputy Premier in the Borbidge Government prior to the Liberal / Nationals merger.
Speaking to southburnett.com.au after the Party Room vote on Friday, Mrs Frecklington said she did not get the role just to bring a gender or geographical balance to the leadership.
“I think I bring a unique mix of attributes that enable me to serve in this role. It’s not just me being a female; it’s not just me being from the regions,” she said.
She pointed out that she had been lawyer, had been involved in businesses alongside her husband Jason, and was a working mother of three daughters.
“But I will always be a very loud voice for the regions,” she said.
Mrs Frecklington said she was looking forward to the challenge of the new role.
“And I’m excited for my region, in particular. It’s a great way to elevate the Nanango electorate and promote all the good things that are going on in this part of the world.”
Mrs Frecklington would not be drawn on when she first heard speculation about a leadership change.
“It’s all about working with the new leader which I am looking forward to,” she said.
However, Mrs Frecklington said she wanted to emphasise that she had the greatest respect for outgoing leader Lawrence Springborg, who is widely acknowledged as the “father” of the LNP after he worked to bring The Nationals and Liberal Party together.
“I have the utmost respect for Lawrence Springborg and John-Paul Langbroek,” she said.
“Lawrence Springborg was the reason why I first decided to join the LNP.
“It’s extremely important to acknowledge the hard work that Lawrence Springborg has done since the last State election.”
Mrs Frecklington said no decision had been made as to whether she would retain the role of Shadow Agriculture Minister.
However, whatever her role, her focus would continue to be on the electorate Nanango as well as the people of Queensland.
“I will continue to work exceedingly hard in my electorate, attending events and listening to my constituents,” she said.
“You won’t see any less of me; I won’t be slackening off in any way.”
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Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls also expressed gratitude to his Parliamentary colleagues for their support and paid tribute to Mr Springborg and Mr Langbroek for their strong leadership during a critical time for the LNP.
“Queensland deserves a government that will deliver real outcomes innovatively and consultatively rather than put its union mates ahead of hardworking everyday Queenslanders,” he said.
“Today is not about Tim or Deb, but about the future of our great state, unfreezing government and getting Queensland working again.”
- Related article: Deb Elected Deputy Leader
