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Long-serving federal Liberal MP Russell Broadbent will face a preselection challenge in his Gippsland seat of Monash as the party searches for a path forward in Victoria after last year’s wipeout in the state.
Mary Aldred, a respected professional who is head of government relations for Asia Pacific at Fujitsu, and the daughter of former federal MP Ken Aldred, confirmed she would seek preselection for the seat when nominations close on Monday.
Russell Broadbent.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
“I’m honoured to announce that I will be nominating for Liberal Party preselection in the federal seat of Monash,” Aldred posted on social media.
“I’m deeply committed to Monash, having worked for two decades with local community and sporting groups, health organisations and Gippsland businesses. I’ve supported our local MPs and candidates through that time as well.”
Aldred, 40, viewed as a moderate, was also the former chief executive of the Committee for Gippsland.
Broadbent, 72, has been in federal parliament since 2004, after an earlier stint in the 1990s.
Mary Aldred, pictured in 2019.Credit: Arsineh Houspian
Last year’s federal election effectively demolished the Liberal Party as a force in Victoria and Broadbent’s margin was reduced to 2.9 per cent after preferences following a 4 per cent swing to Labor.
In April, he confirmed his intention to remain the member for Monash, which he described as a privilege.
“This is no time to be leaving when the party is obviously struggling in terms of holding seats, as was demonstrated when Alan Tudge vacated his seat, with his ensuing loss in Aston,” Broadbent said in an email to constituents at the time.
“There is so much to do in these difficult times, and I have never felt more able to work as your member into the future.
“My longevity in the seat of Monash embraces the experience and knowledge to contribute to this electorate, the Victorian Liberal Party in Monash, the parliamentary party room, and the parliament.”
In October 2021, Broadbent made news when he faced being locked out of his federal office due to his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID.
Nominations close on Monday. Preselection is unlikely to take place until after the byelection for the state seat of Warrandyte, in Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs, following the resignation of Ryan Smith. Branch members will select the next Liberal candidate for Warrandyte on Sunday.
Broadbent was contacted on Thursday morning but did not respond by the time of writing.
Aldred confirmed her nomination but declined to comment.
The state Liberal member for the overlapping seat of Narracan, Wayne Farnham, wished both Broadbent and Aldred well.
“I know Mary Aldred well. She is an extremely competent person and I wish them both all the best at preselection.”
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