Tasmanian Premier's Adviser to Replace Liberal Senator; Former Minister to Take Over Another Seat

Tasmania's Liberal Party has appointed replacements for two outgoing senators, Wendy Askew and Jonno Duniam. Brad Stansfield, a senior adviser to Premier Jeremy Rockliff and former chief of staff to ex-premier Will Hodgman, was chosen to fill Senator Askew's casual vacancy. The party opted for an appointment process over a by-election, a move that allows them to select their preferred candidate directly.

Meanwhile, former state minister Sarah Courtney will succeed Senator Duniam when his term concludes at the end of the year. Courtney has been placed second on the Liberal Senate ticket for the upcoming federal election, following former party president Chris Gatenby, who will lead the ticket. Councillor Jacki Martin secured the third position.

Senators Askew and Duniam had previously announced they would not seek re-nomination for their seats earlier this year. Their decisions created the casual vacancies, triggering the party's internal appointment process. This method avoids the public scrutiny and potential unpredictability of a by-election, allowing the Liberal Party to maintain control over who represents them in the Senate.