Eric Abetz may run for seat of Franklin in next Tasmanian State Election
Speculation is mounting former Liberal Senator Eric Abetz is about to make a tilt at state politics as his ‘lobbyist’ status angers the Greens. See the latest >>
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THE inclusion of former Liberal senator Eric Abetz on the list of Tasmanian government lobbyists has been criticised by the Greens – as speculation mounts he may make a bid to enter state politics.
Mr Abetz, who lost the Senate seat he had held for 28 years, has been approached to stand for the seat of Franklin, where he has lived since he was a child, and picked up more than 18 per cent of below-the-line votes at this year’s federal election.
Liberal Party sources say his experience would add some “grunt” to the seat, which has two MPs – Minister Nic Street and newcomer Dean Young, who replaced minister Jacquie Petrusma after she retired in July.
Mr Abetz, 64, declined to comment on the speculation.
If he stood for the state seat, he would have to decide whether to continue receiving his $231,000-a-year pension or take a much lower MP salary.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he would welcome anyone wanting to be “a candidate for our team in 2025”.
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said Mr Abetz’s “swift transition” from senator to lobbyist was “a clear example of why Tasmania’s lobbying rules need reform”.
“When public officials like Mr Abetz step so quickly into lobbying, it increases the risk that wealthy special interests will be able to wield more influence,” she said.
“If you want to influence the Liberal government’s policy, it makes sense to hire someone who has been a party heavyweight for three decades to help you get results.
“At a bare minimum, there should be a significant cooling-off period for ex-MPs between stepping out of politics and into a lobbying role.”
Mr Abetz became a lobbyist in October and thanked Ms O’Connor for promoting his consultancy.
“It seems that in the spirit of Christmas, the Greens have decided to give my consultancy some free publicity,” he said.
“Others with a less generous disposition to the Greens than myself may see it as the first of the silly season sniping that some engage in after the rising of parliament.
“And just a gentle reminder to the Greens that they were the beneficiaries of the largest political donation, so talking about ‘wealthy special interests’ isn’t that smart.”
Ms O’Connor said she was pleased the Integrity Commission was looking at the lobbyist register.
“We hope strengthening the rules and putting forward a gold-standard framework around lobbying is a priority for the Commission in 2023,” she said.
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