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.