Government minister Eric Abetz has remarried in private family ceremony
Former veteran senator and now senior Tasmanian government minister Eric Abetz has been out of the news for a few days. Read why.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The secret is out – senior government minister Eric Abetz has remarried.
Mr Abetz, 66, tied the knot with his friend of 10 years Andrea Mackean, a gym business owner, at a private ceremony at Riversdale Estate at Richmond last Friday.
The only guests at the wedding were their children and grandchildren and the mother of his late wife Michelle and her partner.
Michelle Abetz died from cancer in March 2019.
Mr Abetz and his new wife each have three children and 19 living grandchildren between them.
A pastor friend of Mrs Abetz came from Victoria for the ceremony.
The newly-married couple had planned to tell friends of their secret nuptials this Friday night but news of the wedding has spread in political and business circles.
After recent government business enterprise scrutiny hearings, Mr Abetz told his staff he was taking four days’ leave and would not be taking calls.
That is rare for the workaholic minister and peaked interest in what he might be doing during his leave.
One friend commented that Mr Abetz had been seen wearing two wedding bands, a sign that he had remarried.
It is understood they honeymooned at Saffire on the East Coast.
Mr Abetz declined to comment on the marriage.
He was a senator for 28 years, a federal minister and made a comeback this year being easily elected to the seat of Franklin in the House of Assembly.
Originally published as Government minister Eric Abetz has remarried in private family ceremony
Key crossbencher rules out deal with Libs in blow to Rockliff
A popular independent MP has delivered a blow to Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s hopes of forming a minority government, saying he won’t provide the Liberals with confidence and supply.
Student’s emotional testimony in alleged sex abuse trial
A former Rosny College student has given emotional testimony about the night he was allegedly sexually abused by his drama teacher, who promised the teenager he “didn’t have to worry” about sharing a bed.
Mitchell makes politics return, snagging Lyons seat
Several seats remain on a knife-edge as vote counting continues in Tasmania's state election, with some candidates separated by fewer than 100 votes. The latest from the tally.
Second major seizure of illegal tobacco and vape products in Tas
Tasmania's war on illegal smoking products has intensified, with a joint operation intercepting a massive shipment worth $860,000 before it entered the state. Inside the effort to stop illegal tobacco and vapes.
Slim majority of voters want Lib minority government: Poll
New polling conducted by a market research firm has suggested that Tasmanian voters favour the formation of a Liberal minority government in the wake of the July 19 election.
Ex-premier’s greyhound regrets
Former Premier David Bartlett has joined calls to end greyhound racing, expressing regret over his past involvement in the taxpayer-funded sport. What he said.