Former Braddon MP Brett Whiteley has been given a job in the Premier’s office

A former Tasmanian Liberal MP, who used to be known as one of the ‘three amigos’, has managed to score a lucrative government job. Details.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Final question time in the Tasmanian parliament for 2023. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A former member of the Liberals’ so-called ‘Three Amigos’ has landed a new job in the Premier’s office.

Brett Whiteley was the federal Liberal MP for Braddon from 2013 to 2016, and a former state member for Braddon.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed Mr Whiteley had recently been hired as a principal adviser.

“Mr Whiteley commenced as an adviser in my office this month and is working hard to deliver our long term plan to do what matters for all Tasmanians,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Brett brings extensive experience as a senior adviser to former Minister Greg Hunt, a former Member of Parliament and former Burnie City Councillor. He has also extensive experience in the private sector, including project management and commercial finance expertise.”

Eric Hutchinson, Andrew Nikolic and Brett Whiteley are confirmed as the candidates for the next federal election. Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Tasmania for the Liberal Conference. BYLINE - RICHARD JUPE

Mr Whiteley was one of the Liberals’ ‘Three Amigos’ who won Tasmania’s marginal seats of Bass, Braddon and Lyons from Labor in 2013.

He unsuccessfully recontested Braddon in the 2018 by-elections when some MPs, such as Labor Braddon MP Justine Keay, were caught up in the dual citizenship scandal.

The Amigos had no trouble finding lucrative government jobs after losing their seats.

Former Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson went on to be appointed Administrator of Norfolk Island.

Mr Hutchinson held the role as the Australian Govrnment’s representative on Norfolk Island until June this year.

Former Bass MP Andrew Nikolic was appointed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, a position he still holds today.