BY LIAM COLLINS
Shortland MP Pat Conroy says nothing beats local expertise as former Prime Minister Tony Abbott eyes his federal seat.
Over the weekend, the Newcastle Herald revealed Tony Abbott's reported interest in running for seats along the Central Coast, including Shortland.
Mr Abbott himself is yet to formally announce any interest in nominating for the local electorate.
His former seat of Warringah saw incumbent independent Zali Steggall retain her position in the 2025 federal election, seven years after defeating Mr Abbott himself.
Pat Conroy, also Defence Industries Minister, said the public would have no reason to elect Mr Abbott into the Shortland seat.
"Why they would choose someone from the affluent Northern Beaches, who cut $50 billion from hospitals and $30 billion from schools, and attacked workers' rights - including coal miners' rights - is beyond me, but that's their decision ultimately," Minister Conroy explained.
"I generally don't understand how they can represent our community if they don't live in or have a history in our community."
The Labor MP has held the local electorate since 2016, and has no current plans to retire.
Shortland has been under Labor leadership since 1949, with four members across its 77-year history.
The Herald also reported local Liberal party members believe the current candidate Emma King is a better fit than Mr Abbott.
Ms King lost in her first federal election last year, with Minister Conroy landing a 5.5 per cent swing, but is still deemed as a worthy long-term prospect for the party.
"I'm prepared to run against whoever the Liberal Party put up," said Minister Conroy.
"That's the beauty of democracy - anyone can stick their hand up and say 'I want to represent our community'.
"And that's something that people have fought and died for."
When asked about his thoughts on the added pressure of One Nation's rising popularity, Minister Conroy said he's willing to go up against any opposition coming his way.
"I expect [One Nation] will run, and I'll run on my record," he said.
"I'll also point out that One Nation has consistently voted against workers' rights.
"They voted against Same Job, Same Pay that's delivering tens of thousands of dollars of pay rises to coal miners, to transport workers right now."
He said the importance of local governance and community cannot be overstated.
"I'm proud to be a local, raising my family in the electorate, and we'll see what comes around in 2028," he said.
"But the important thing is I'm working every day to represent the people of Shortland -- delivering records, spending on Medicare, and delivering manufacturing jobs for our community."
 |
| Federal Shortland MP and Defence Industries Minister Pat Conroy. Picture: Australian Labor Party |
