Labor members push for ‘Senator Palaszczuk’

Labor insiders reveal where party stands on grassroots push to install former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on its Senate ticket for the next federal election.

A grassroots push within the Labor Party to install former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on its Senate ticket for the next federal election has been shot down by powerbrokers.

The Courier-Mail understands some Queensland Labor Party members floated the benefits of lobbying Ms Palaszczuk to be installed as a left-field pick to take the second Senate position when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heads to the polls within 12 months.

Several Labor Party powerbrokers shot down the talk, however, declaring it was merely scuttlebutt among branch members and was not being taken seriously.

“It hasn’t even been contemplated,” one said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announces her retirement.

Another veteran Labor Party member acknowledged there was talk among “branchies” but said Ms Palaszczuk had no intention to return to politics barely seven months after being ousted as Queensland premier.

One branch member argued the party should talk the former premier into a run for the Senate, arguing her political clout would help bring Labor’s state success in Queensland to its struggling federal campaign.

“She’d be great, people know her and she’s well liked,” they said.

Federally, Labor’s primary vote languishes at 30 per cent, according to March’s Newspoll.

The withdrawal of former Townsville mayor Jenny Hill in Labor’s Senate race has all-but-confirmed Star Entertainment Group’s Corinne Mulholland as the party’s second pick.

Ms Mulholland is from the same Labor right faction as Ms Palaszczuk.

Kate Jones has also ruled out a bid for a Senate spot.

Former Townsville mayor Jenny Hill

Party insiders say the withdrawal of Ms Hill and declaration from former state minister Kate Jones that she would not stand for the Senate makes Ms Mulholland the presumptive nominee.

“It’s definitely Corinne,” one Labor insider said.

In Ms Jones, the Labor Party had been seeking an experienced and well-known face to help it recover ground from the Coalition.

Her candidacy was backed by United Workers Union and Labor left faction powerbroker Gary Bullock.

In December Ms Palaszczuk was urged by Mr Bullock and Queensland Labor president John Battams to consider her future.

The request culminated in her resignation on December 10, eight years and 10 months since defeating Campbell Newman to become premier.

Ms Palaszczuk has largely remained out of the spotlight since her exit, but in May took up a role as international ambassador with the Smart Energy Council.

The former premier will lead a business delegation to China this month, where they will visit renewable energy and electric vehicle companies.