Politics · Australia · 2 hrs ago
Nationals leader Matt Canavan seeks Queensland seat ahead of next election
Nationals leader Matt Canavan wants to move from the Senate to the House of Representatives by contesting Capricornia in Central Queensland at the next federal election.
The seat will be open because LNP MP Michelle Landry is retiring.
Canavan must first win preselection from Capricornia's LNP branch, so he is not yet the confirmed candidate.
One Nation's James Ashby is considering a run, setting up a possible contest with Canavan as the party seeks to build on rising support.
Capricornia has been held by Landry for the past five elections, but the reports say LNP strategists are concerned about support without her personal popularity.
Canavan says he wants to change the government and challenge net zero policy, which he argues is raising energy costs and harming jobs.
A successful move to the House could also strengthen his position as a future deputy prime minister in a Coalition government.
Nationals leader Matt Canavan says he will seek preselection for Capricornia, a Queensland lower house seat, at the next federal election.
The seat will be vacated by retiring LNP MP Michelle Landry.
One Nation party director James Ashby is considering a possible run, which could set up a contest with Canavan.
Canavan said he wanted to help change the government and continue delivering for Central Queensland.
He must first seek the support of the Capricornia branch of the LNP.
- Who
- Nationals leader and senator Matt Canavan will seek preselection. One Nation party director James Ashby is considering a run.
- What
- Canavan plans to seek the Capricornia lower house seat at the next federal election.
- When
- At the next federal election, expected in 2028.
- Where
- Capricornia, in Central Queensland, Australia.
- Why
- Canavan said he wanted to help change the government and continue delivering for Central Queensland.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Michelle Landry announced she would retire from politics and not contest the next election.
Canavan announced he would seek preselection for Capricornia.
Capricornia is due to be vacated by Landry.
- Seat
- Capricornia
- Current MP
- Michelle Landry, an LNP member who is retiring
- Canavan's position
- Nationals leader and senator
- Possible One Nation contender
- James Ashby, the party's director
- Next federal election
- Expected in 2028
3 sources
What people are saying
There's going to be a real fight on for the next election
The issue is we need to keep this seat to change the government, and I want us to continue to deliver for central Queensland
If One Nation is really serious about firing the liar, then they need to start running in Labor Party seats instead of running against someone like Matt Canavan