Three tiers of government … Cr Damien Tessmann, State Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington and Queensland Senator James McGrath

August 31, 2014

New Queensland LNP Senator James McGrath dropped into the South Burnett at the weekend to meet party faithful, chat with local residents … and dump a bucket of ice on South Burnett councillor Damien Tessmann.

Senator McGrath, who is based in Nambour, has been allocated responsibility for the Greater Wide Bay / Sunshine Coast areas of Queensland.

He spent Saturday chatting with local residents, including visiting several local shopkeepers.

The former campaign director for Premier Campbell Newman – and before that political strategist with the British Conservative Party – said he had been around politicians for years and could honestly say he was impressed with local Member Deb Frecklington.

“Deb has X-factor. She’s one of the best. When you see her with people, she’s so genuine,” he said.

Senator McGrath, who took up his Senate role on July 1, said a good description of his new workplace was “lively”.

“We have a lot of new senators with new ideas,” he said.

“We have a smorgasbord of political personalities and a smorgasbord of polices.”

After meeting with LNP Branch members, Senator McGrath agreed to help South Burnett councillor Damien Tessmann complete an “ice bucket challenge” – the charity fundraiser which has been sweeping the Internet in recent weeks.

Anitta Stallwood and Margie Magnussen, from Kingaroy, meet Senator James McGrath

Senator McGrath meets the business end of a dairy cow (Photo: Damien Tessmann)
Cr Damien Tessmann gets the ice bucket treatment from Senator McGrath (and friends) at Kingaroy’s Commercial Hotel

Ice Bucket Challenge