Political expert reveals the qualities Dawson needs in a replacement for George Christensen

A political expert has weighed in on the likelihood of George Christensen running as an independent in the federal election.

As several names remain up in the air as potential replacements for outgoing MP George Christensen, a political expert has revealed the traits needed for a new Dawson federal representative.

University of Queensland school of political science researcher Chris Salisbury said finding a candidate to fill Mr Christensen’s shoes would be a challenge, because of the “maverick” role he has created for himself.

“They would be hoping to pick someone that’s a bit of a team player,” he said.

“(The voters) would want to see someone who is a known and local candidate.

“If someone is seen to be an out-of-towner parachuted into the seat … that is often used by opposing candidates to argue they are not in touch with the local electorate.”

Dr Salisbury said the LNP would also do well to pick a candidate who speaks up on behalf of the local community, like Mr Christensen.

Whoever is chosen will face an uphill battle in tackling big issues such as Covid-19 recovery, volatile export markets, regional unemployment, transitioning industries and water security.

Dr Salisbury said Labor’s candidate for Dawson Shane Hamilton would be seen as an “underdog” in the lead up to the federal election, but was still firmly in the race.

“The seat has been held by conservatives for quite a long time,” he said.

“It took the Rudd slide in 2007 to unseat the sitting MP.

“I don’t know whether we are going to see a situation like that at the next election.

“Christensen is retiring and having a member vacate the seat opens things up somewhat – we saw that to some extend in the state election as retiring members had their seat fall to the other side.”

Political commentator and UQ lecturer Dr Chris Salisbury.

But Dr Salisbury said Labor was up against conditions that favoured incumbents.

“If the pandemic conditions that we endured last year are going to continue, that might still influence (the result),” he said.

“Oppositions find it tough to have a break through and to unseat a government during uncertainty.”

He said the election would likely play out as a referendum on the federal government’s performance in Covid-19 recovery and the vaccine rollout.

Is there a chance George will run as an independent at the federal election?

Mr Christensen has strenuously denied rumours he plans to run for Dawson as an independent or for another party.

But Dr Salisbury said the maverick MP’s failed attempt to get a six-figure taxpayer funded could mean “anything’s possible”.

On Monday, The Australian reported LNP officials had blocked the rogue MP’s bid for a $105,600 payout, weeks after his shock decision to quit politics.

“I think with a character like George you couldn’t rule anything out to be honest,” Dr Salisbury said.

“I dare say it’s unlikely.”

A spokeswoman for Mr Christensen said he would “not be contesting the next election as the LNP candidate for Dawson, and has no plans to run in any other capacity”.

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Originally published as Political expert reveals the qualities Dawson needs in a replacement for George Christensen