Tasmanian Liberal Senator Wendy Askew to retire, opening door for One Nation

Liberal Senator Wendy Askew has announced her retirement from the Australian Senate, creating an open seat for the upcoming federal election in Tasmania. Her decision not to recontest her position after a term and a half signals a potential shift in the state's political landscape, particularly with One Nation eyeing significant gains.

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It is a genuine honour to have the privilege of representing the people of Tasmania in the Senate as a member of the Liberal Party.

Askew, who was appointed to the Senate in 2019 and later won the second spot on the Liberal ticket in 2022, stated that her focus has been on representing Tasmanians and advocating for their interests. She was previously an adviser to state MP Sarah Courtney, who is reportedly a strong contender for the preselection to replace Askew.

The Liberal Party's hold on its second Senate seat in Tasmania is considered vulnerable. Current polling indicates a surge in One Nation's popularity, positioning the party to potentially secure one or even two seats. Political analyst Kevin Bonham suggests that voters in the Senate often prioritize party lines over individual candidates, which could significantly benefit One Nation.

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Since my election in 2019 my focus has been, and will continue to be, on standing up for Tasmanians and advocating strongly for their interests.

Bonham noted that most incumbents have low name recognition, and their impact on the party vote is minimal. While exceptions exist for high-profile candidates, the general trend favors party affiliation. This dynamic presents a challenge for the Liberal Party as they seek to retain their seat against a rising One Nation.

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That's got nothing to do with incumbents. Most incumbents are very low profile, and most of them not one person in 20 in the street could name them.