Katy Gallagher to seek preselection for return to Senate

Katy Gallagher will attempt to win back her ACT Senate seat after being disqualified over dual citizenship.

Katy Gallagher in the Senate in December, when she referred herself to the High Court.

Former Labor senator Katy Gallagher will attempt to win back her ACT seat after being disqualified from parliament over dual citizenship.

Ms Gallagher, who last month was found by the High Court to have been ineligible to sit, has emailed Labor members to flag her intention to nominate for preselection.

“Over the last little while I have had the opportunity to reflect on my time as a representative of Canberra and to consider how best to respond following the High Court’s decision on my Senate eligibility,” Ms Gallagher posted on Facebook this morning.

“It wasn’t a straightforward decision but I spoke with friends and family, colleagues, ALP branch members and of course many Canberrans who took the time to get in touch and share their views with me about what they would like to see me do next.

“I really appreciate all the messages of support and encouragement.

“Back in 2014 I left my role as ACT chief minister to seek preselection for the federal Labor Party because I felt that I could make a positive contribution to Labor’s mission, to help elect a Shorten Labor government and most importantly be in a position to represent the interests of my home town in the national parliament.

“These reasons remain as relevant for me today as they did back then and so I have decided to put my hand up for preselection for the Senate in the next federal campaign.”

Ms Gallagher’s ACT seat has been filled by David Smith, the former territory director of Professionals Australia.

Her decision to pursue a return to the Senate comes despite speculation she may have sought preselection in the new third federal seat being created in the ACT by the Australian Electoral Commission’s redistribution.

Labor leader in the Senate Penny Wong welcomed Ms Gallagher’s announcement.

“Katy is a woman of great integrity who is committed to serving her community. She is an outstanding representative of the ACT, an outstanding senator and an important part of Labor’s Senate leadership team,” Senator Wong said.

“Katy is, quite simply, too good to lose.

“Katy’s desire to build on 17 years as a representative of the ACT is a reflection of her ongoing commitment to the Australian public.

“I look forward to welcoming her back to the Senate.”

Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese said Ms Gallagher “was making an outstanding contribution”.

“She has more to contribute and I’m sure that everyone in Labor’s leadership team will welcome that,” Mr Albanese told the Nine Network.

— With AAP