Ms Askew (formerly Summers, until her wedding in September last year) is a longtime Liberal.

She has worked as an adviser to former Federal member Andrew Nikolic, and prior to that, as an adviser to state MP Sarah Courtney, and as office manager for state MP Michael Ferguson. 

She has also worked for the Westpac and Commonwealth banks. 

Mr Bushby announced his retirement from the Federal Senate on January 18, with seven candidates putting their names forward for preselection as his replacement.

He is heading to Chicago to take the role of Australian consul-general, with Ms Askew filling his shoes until June 2022. 

Ms Askew said she was honoured to be selected, after toying with the idea of putting her hand up, on and off, for the past 15 years. 

“I’ve obviously had an interest in politics and I’ve worked in politics, as well as the corporate and not-for-profit world,” she said. 

“I have a variety of career backgrounds, and also a really good understanding of the political scene, along with good management and leadership skills that I’ve developed throughout my career. 

“My priorities are very much about standing up for Tasmania, and making sure that we get what we deserve.”

She said she did not think it was particularly uncommon in politics to have a family member replacing a family member. 

“Well, it’s a fact, I am [David Bushby’s] sister, and I have had to go through a full preselection process – it’s quite a common occurrence to see siblings, parents, children of the same family all in politics, and I’ve obviously been preselected on merit.” 

Tasmanian Liberal party president, Geoff Page, made the announcement on Sunday, February 2. 

“As a former bank manager and adviser to the current Education Minister, Wendy brings a wealth of experience to this role,” he said. 

“Wendy will be as fierce advocate for Tasmania in the Australian Senate.

“[She] has managed a number of successful election campaigns in the seat of Bass and this experience will be invaluable in assisting to help return lower house seats for the Liberals at the election later this year.”

Liberal senator Eric Abetz said he was delighted to welcome Ms Askew to the team. 

“Wendy is someone who will be a strong advocate for our Liberal values and will hit the ground running in the lead up to the forthcoming Federal election,” he said. 

“Over the long period I have known Wendy, she has always demonstrated herself to be a thoughtful and capable individual of great intellect and I am confident that these qualities will stand her in excellent stead as she enters the Senate.”

Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam said that she would be a strong advocate for the state. 

“Having worked closely with Wendy for many years, I know that she will work tirelessly and is someone Tasmanians can rely on to get the best deal for our state,” he said. 

“Wendy was chosen from a very strong and competitive field of candidates and I know that she will be committed 100 per cent as a senator for Tasmania.

“I look forward to working closely with Wendy to ensure Tasmania continues to get its fair share.”