How an engineer beat the high-profile favourites to win Groom
An unassuming engineer and father of three has beaten out two high-profile candidates to win preselection for the blue-ribbon federal LNP seat of Groom.
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The surprise preselection of engineer Garth Hamilton in one of the safest seats in the country followed intense lobbying from senior party figures.
Mr Hamilton beat out favourites to win preselection for the federal seat of Groom, Toowoomba regional councillor Rebecca Vonhoff and controversial LNP figure David van Gend.
While both figures understood to have made it into the final rounds of voting, Mr Hamilton won the day.
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The preselected candidate is seen as a conservative figure, as opposed to Cr Vonhoff who was seen as a moderate, and unlikely to be the lightning rod for controversy that Dr van Gend was seen to be.
The family GP had been a senior figure in the ‘no’ campaign for the same sex plebiscite, and made comments including that homosexuality was a “disorder”.
Mr Hamilton pitched to branch members on ripping up the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to fast track major projects and industrial relations reform.
He is also seen as a hawk on China, writing in conservative publication the Spectator that “further confrontation with China is inevitable”.
Father of three, Mr Hamilton yesterday thanked the branch members for putting their faith in him.
“Clearly, the biggest priority for our region will be supporting the local economy and local jobs as we recover from COVID-19,” he said.
The by-election in Groom was sparked by the sudden resignation of MP John McVeigh last month, due to his wife’s health.
The vote will be held on November 28, while the close of nominations is November 5.
