Bragg by-election: Eleventh hour controversy threatens Liberal ‘distraction’

An 11th hour controversy over has raised new fears the Liberal’s campaign for Vickie Chapman’s seat could be hit with new “distractions”.

The fight for a blue-ribbon Liberal seat has been plunged into new controversy over claims an aspiring MP’s civil court disputes could be a unwanted distraction in the upcoming by-election.

More than 400 local Liberal members in the eastern suburbs seat of Bragg will vote on who will replace former Attorney-General Vickie Chapman as their candidate for the party’s only safe Adelaide electorate.

Former Liberal advisers Jack Batty, 31, and Sandy Biar, 36, commercial lawyer Melissa Jones, 45, and businesswoman Cara Miller, 46, will face the specially convened meeting on Sunday night.

Multiple senior party sources say Mr Batty, a former lawyer and ex Australian embassy worker in London, should win in a close fight despite a fierce internal push for a woman.

But they said the female nominees – guests at a “meet our women candidates” morning tea on Saturday – had strong credentials despite both losing preselection for the seat of Waite last year.

Ms Miller, who has been sending contentious auto-texts to members, is embroiled in a new legal row with the family of her late husband Dr Detlef Kirsten, 47, over his estate and the couple’s company Sound Diagnostics.

Cara Miller Picture: supplied

Supreme Court documents state Dr Kirsten’s family want to revoke the June 2019 probate on his will. Having launched in October last year, mediation has failed. It followed other litigation over the estate, including in the Federal Court.

A 156-page creditors report stated the Parkside-based Sound Diagnostics entered voluntary administration with debts of more than $10.9m.

Party sources said the legal issues could become a distraction in the by-election campaign were Ms Miller to be its candidate.

Ms Miller, a former party vice president, said: “It’s an estate matter that is being guided by the courts.” The other parties refused to comment.

Ms Miller said of her bid: “I’m passionate about health and aged care, strong economic management and fostering family opportunities across the electorate.”

Sources said Ms Jones, a mother of four, was “impressing delegates” with her business experience, which included her own law firm.

Melissa Jones with her daughter Jessica, 11. Picture: supplied

Ms Jones said she wanted more women and business people in parliament, along with “significant improvements” in mental and public health.

“I am concerned about the environment and want to see practical solutions to address the issues we face as a community,” she said.

Supporters of Mr Batty, who Bragg branch president Annabel Wilkins and vice president Jen Melick back, believe he is a future premier. Others say he lacks private sector experience.

Mr Batty said: “(It) is a privilege that can only be bestowed by the local party membership.”

Cara Miller. Pictures: supplied

Jack Batty. Picture: supplied

Father of two and army officer Mr Biar, a former Australian Democrat candidate who heads the country’s Republican movement, said he had broad experience to make change.

“We need to focus on supporting our local schools and community groups and protecting the character of our neighbourhood,” he said.

Sandy Biar. Picture: supplied

Ms Chapman, who held the seat for the past 20 years as its third MP, is keeping her vote a secret.

She said members wanted a “hard working and performing” local MP who would fight for a range of issues including new schools to relieve widespread enrolment pressures.

After an usually short time allowed for lobbying before the preselection vote, the winner will battle a by-election on Saturday, July 2.

Originally published as Bragg by-election: Eleventh hour controversy threatens Liberal ‘distraction’