March 21, 2016
Member for Callide Jeff Seeney has pulled out of the running for Warren Truss’ seat of Wide Bay, which will become vacant at the next Federal election when Mr Truss steps down after 26 years as its representative.
On Thursday last week, Mr Seeney told Parliament he intended to stay in the State Government to fight for the property rights of Queenslanders instead.
Speaking on the State Government’s proposed “Vegetation Management (Reinstatement) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016” – which the LNP oppose – Mr Seeney told the House:
“Secure property rights are an essential element for economic growth, investment and jobs. Protecting property rights has been a central part of my political identity ever since I have been in politics.
“I have fought to protect the property rights of Queensland, both rural and urban Queenslanders, in the planning reforms that we brought in and in opposing a number of pieces of legislation that the Labor Party has introduced into this House.
“We saw that again tonight. After watching that debacle – it will impact on the private property rights of every property owner in my electorate – I am tonight committing myself totally to ridding this chamber of this Labor government.
“Tonight I can advise the House that I will not be participating in the LNP pre-selection for Wide Bay.”
Mr Seeney said he intended to continue to fight for Queenslander’s property rights, which he believed the Government’s Bill would erode.
“I believe that all political parties should facilitate a pathway for State MPs to make a transition to Federal politics,” Mr Seeney said.
“I wish my colleague the member for Toowoomba South the very best in his efforts to do that.
“It has to be a benefit for our whole body politic if individuals can enter politics at a local government level, transition to State Government and then go on to serve in Federal Parliament.
“Our nation’s Federal Parliament would be better served if more members on all sides of politics had an opportunity to serve an apprenticeship, so to speak, in state parliaments such as this.”
southburnett.com.au spoke to Mr Seeney a few days earlier at the Murgon Show where he said he believed a number of candidates would be putting up their hands for LNP pre-selection for Wide Bay.
He admitted then he would not be upset if he was not successful as he would continue to represent Callide.
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