TASMANIAN Liberal Senator and senior government minister Eric Abetz is believed to be considering his future in politics. Prime Minister Tony Abbott and former prime minister John Howard were among 400 guests at a function in Hobart on Friday night to celebrate Senator Abetz’s 21 years in the Senate. Senator Abetz, who is Employment Minister and the Leader of Government in the Senate, recently took personal leave to attend to a family matter. A spokesman for Senator Abetz this week rejected suggestions that a retirement announcement was imminent, but it is understood that he is contemplating his future. The Liberal Party function at Wrest Point Casino on Friday paid tribute to Senator Abetz’s years of public service. Senator Abetz, 57, is a dominant figure in the Tasmanian Liberal Party, having served as party president for five years before entering the Senate. He filled the casual vacancy left by Brian Archer in 1994, and served as minister in the latter years of the Howard government. Senator Abetz has been re-elected three times since, and his Senate term expires at the next federal election. The party’s formal preselection is yet to begin, however it is understood that one of Premier Will Hodgman’s most senior advisers, Jonathon Duniam, will push for a spot on the ticket. Former candidate Sally Chandler, who narrowly missed out on a seat in 2013, is also considering another run for office. Federal Parliament sits for another two weeks from Monday before the six-week winter adjournment.
TASMANIAN Liberal Senator and senior government minister Eric Abetz is believed to be considering his future in politics.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott and former prime minister John Howard were among 400 guests at a function in Hobart on Friday night to celebrate Senator Abetz’s 21 years in the Senate.
Senator Abetz, who is Employment Minister and the Leader of Government in the Senate, recently took personal leave to attend to a family matter.
A spokesman for Senator Abetz this week rejected suggestions that a retirement announcement was imminent, but it is understood that he is contemplating his future.
The Liberal Party function at Wrest Point Casino on Friday paid tribute to Senator Abetz’s years of public service.
Senator Abetz, 57, is a dominant figure in the Tasmanian Liberal Party, having served as party president for five years before entering the Senate.
He filled the casual vacancy left by Brian Archer in 1994, and served as minister in the latter years of the Howard government.
Senator Abetz has been re-elected three times since, and his Senate term expires at the next federal election.
The party’s formal preselection is yet to begin, however it is understood that one of Premier Will Hodgman’s most senior advisers, Jonathon Duniam, will push for a spot on the ticket.
Former candidate Sally Chandler, who narrowly missed out on a seat in 2013, is also considering another run for office.
Federal Parliament sits for another two weeks from Monday before the six-week winter adjournment.
