Rising star Jonno Duniam at risk of ‘losable’ Senate spot

A rising star of the Morrison government, Jonno Duniam, risks being dumped to a very losable spot on the Tasmanian Liberal Party’s next Senate ticket.

Senator Jonno Duniam. Picture: Chris Kidd

A rising star of the Morrison government, assistant minister Jonno Duniam, risks being dumped to a very losable spot on the Tasmanian Liberal Party’s next Senate ticket.

Sources suggest Howard-era minister Eric Abetz appears most likely to retain the Liberal’s top Senate spot in Tasmania for the next federal election, although Senator Duniam remains a chance.

Having Senator Abetz at No 1 would create a “tricky, complex” dilemma as to which of senators Duniam or Wendy Askew were dumped to the losable third position when preselection is determined next year.

Senator Abetz, 62, is no longer seen by some as an automatic lock for No 1, while Senator Duniam, a 37-year-old assistant minister, has some support to replace him at the head of the ticket. Several sources suggest Senator Abetz has mobilised enough support to retain the top spot, but this may change after elections for a new 67-member preselection committee.

Complicating the dilemma is the need for gender and regional balance on the ticket. The Liberal Party does not have an affirmative action policy, but some argue a woman should have one of the top two “safe” spots.