Psychologist Marie Rowland to contest Tony Abbott’s Warringah seat in election

SHE’S a psychologist and counsellor and now Marie Rowland is the woman aiming to oust former PM Tony Abbott from his safe Sydney seat at the next election.

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SHE’S a psychologist and counsellor and now Marie Rowland is the woman aiming to oust former PM Tony Abbott from his safe Sydney seat at the next election.

Rowland, running in Independent Senator Nick Xenophon’s team in the seat of Warringah, conceded yesterday: “I’m no triathlete but I’m planning to give Tony Abbott a run for his money”.

Marie Rowland is the new candidate for Warringah for the Nick Xenophon Team. Photo: Adam Ward

Former PM and member for Warringah Tony Abbott and constituents.

Marie Rowland with Nick Xenophon yeasterday. Picture: Adam Ward

It’s a blue ribbon seat and I’m going to give it a red hot go,” she told the ABC.

“The Nick Xenophon Team is really where it’s at, at the centre.

“It’s about fair-mindedness, commonsense politics and that’s what Australia really needs at the moment.

“For Warringah we know the issues that are important to us are education, health and environment and these are the areas that we have been consulting with the people of Warringah in the last few weeks.”

Xenophon admits that although it would take a “small political miracle” for his candidate to oust Abbott, voters were looking for an alternative to the major parties.

“We know that with the volatility of what occurred in the Queensland election that there is a real spirit and a mood for change,” Mr Xenophon said.

“It’s going to be a huge David and Goliath battle, but Marie Rowland will present a refreshing alternative.