CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | Contact
In news that will not be getting a mention in any of the major newspapers of TV networks, it seems that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is actually in the fight of his life this election.
While most thought his biggest challenge was leading the Liberal Party to defeat Prime Minister Albanese, it looks as though Dutton’s first challenge will be to retain his own seat from not one but TWO female challengers.
The Dickson electorate, in Brisbane’s Northside, has for many years remained a marginal seat – with the Labor candidate Ali French making considerable gains against Dutton at the last two elections.
As it stands, he currently holds his his seat by around 2% of the vote.
But with the inclusion of a talented new grassroots independent by the name of Ellie Smith, it looks like Dutton’s vote will splinter even thinner.
Unlike the ‘Teal Independents’ of NSW, WA and Victoria – Ellie Smith describes herself as a ‘Maroon Independent’ that champions community and political integrity – proving that she very much has what it takes to win over Queenslanders.
She is also receiving growing support from the dainty countryside suburbs after revealing that she also believes burning fossil fuels at an accelerated rate for 200 years might not be so good for the environment.
Australian media remains tight-lipped about these challengers, out of fear of undoing all their hard work.
This would not be the first time a party leader lost their seat on election night, with the most memorable being John Howard losing his own seat in 2007.
With an army of volunteers for both Labor and the Maroons on the street every day, Dutton cannot be at home to defend his patch because he will be forced to campaign elsewhere around the country this election.
However, Dutton is also staring down the extra humilating prospect of leading the Liberals to an election victory that he won’t even be able to celebrate as an ousted local member.
But Australian Liberal voters can fear not about the implications of such a nightmarish scenario, because there are plenty more talented men in the Coalition that will be able to step up to become Prime Minister on election night if Dutton loses his seat.
After losing twenty seats in the 2022 election, most voters assumed the talent was running thin for the Liberals.
However, this list of 7 supremely talented Liberal MPs proves that there are far more potential Prime Minister’s in the calvary.
1. Luke Howarth, The Member For Petrie.
Age: 52
First elected: 2013
Currently based: Redcliffe
Former employment: Sony Music
Famous for: Helping Dutton roll Turnbull
2. Scott Buchholz, The Member For Wright.
Age: 58
First elected: 2010
Currently based: Gold Coast outskirts
Former employment: Chief of Staff to Barnaby Joyce
Famous for: Vehemently opposing gay marriage
3. Alex Hawke MP, The Member For Mitchell
Age: 47
First elected: 2007
Currently based: Sydney’s Hill District
Former employment: Liberal staffer
Famous for: Deporting Djokovic
4. Tony Pasin MP, The Member For Barker
Age: 47
First elected: 2013
Currently based: Mount Gambier
Former employment: Mount Gambier City Councillor
Famous for: Secretly recording conversations with female colleagues on a GoPro
5. Dan Tehan MP, The Member For Wannon
Age: 57
First elected: 2010
Currently based: Western Victoria
Former employment: Liberal staffer
Famous for: Fighting for his political career against a former stand up comedian
6. Ross Vasta MP, The Member For Bonner
Age: 58
First elected: 2004
Currently based: Brisbane
Former employment: Unknown
Famous for: Unknown
7. Bert van Manen MP, The Member For Forde
Age: 59
First elected: 2010
Currently based: Outer rural Brisbane
Former employment: Financial planner
Famous for: Boycotting the Marriage Equality plebiscite, despite his electorate voting 62% Yes
