Opposition Leader Tony Abbott could not guarantee that Federal Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott would be safe in his seat if Barnaby Joyce was to contest in the next federal election.
Senator Joyce is looking for a seat in the lower house.
“We are a democratic political movement and in the end, it will be up to the Liberal National Party to decide who our candidate is,” Mr Abbott said in Warwick last week.
“I have enormous respect for Barnaby Joyce, who is doing an outstanding job as the Leader of the National Party in the Senate. I also have a lot of respect for my friend and colleague Bruce Scott, who I served in the ministry with during the Howard Government and I think we’re very lucky to have two such fine men in our parliamentary party,” he said.
Mr Scott agreed that no leader can guarantee anyone’s preselection, but was happy to hear Mr Abbott’s praise of his political career.
“He acknowledged the great work I’ve done. I think certainly it was great praise from a leader that has put us within striking distance of being the next Government,” Mr Scott said.
Mr Scott has been the local member for almost 22 years and would love to continue serving this electorate.
Story: Rebecca Brown
