24.3 C
Byron Shire
March 27, 2024

Randall death sets up Canning by-election

Latest News

Splendour 2024 cancelled

It's offical, Splendour in the Grass 2024 has been cancelled.

Other News

The Picture House is turning 8

It feels like we were only just ringing in the new year days ago and here we are approaching Easter weekend at The Brunswick Picture House. It’s already been a whirlwind start to 2024 with their biggest and busiest program so far, bringing an eclectic mix of some of the hottest stand-up comedy, music gigs, film screenings and cabaret – and that was just last week!

State of confusion

If any of you watched Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, you would know that it was a...

Workshop in Creative Writing For Beginners

Have you always felt like you have a novel in you, but don’t know where to start? Or have...

We just love him!

If you’re over 50 you might not be a fan of Tom Jones, but you can bet your mum is. If you’re under 40 you might not even know who he is, but your grandmother probably wet her pants at the mere mention of his name.

Floodplains

We need a serious talk about development on floodplains with more creativity and sophistication. The recent discussion about development...

UK court seeks assurances from US over Julian Assange

The UK High Court of Justice has released a 66 page judgement seeking more information from the United States relating to Australian citizen Julian Assange, which it says it needs before deciding whether to grant the WikiLeaks founder leave to appeal his extradition.

don randallLiberal MPs are mourning the death of their colleague Don Randall, but the party will have to find a replacement to run in a by-election for his seat.

Mr Randall’s death leaves a vacancy in the West Australian seat of Canning, to be filled by a by-election at a time determined by the Speaker.

The 62-year-old died after being found unresponsive in his car near Boddington Golf Club in WA’s south just before 3pm on Tuesday.

It is understood he died of a heart attack.
Mr Randall has been hailed as a passionate champion for his state and a friend to many on both sides of politics.

He was one of two MPs behind the failed spill motion against Prime Minister Tony Abbott in February, saying at the time his electorate was concerned about the leader.

The prime minister paid tribute on Tuesday to an “outstanding” local member who was a passionate and persuasive advocate in Canberra.

‘He was a mentor to many and integral to the success of our party in the state of Western Australia,’ Mr Abbott said in a statement.

Fellow Western Australian, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, praised Mr Randall’s dedication to promoting the interests of their state.

‘Don had a giant personality and approached each day with great enthusiasm,’ she said.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Mr Randall was liked on both sides of the parliament and was counted as a friend by many within the Labor Party.

‘He was a thoroughly good and decent bloke,’ he said in a statement.

Mr Randall served as the member for Canning since 2001 and was re-elected to the marginal seat four times.

From 1996 to 1998, he held the seat of Swan.

He occasionally made headlines for controversial comments, including calling public broadcaster ABC “Gay BC” and accusing the mining industry of being “pussy-whipped” by then prime minister Julia Gillard.

Mr Randall also came under scrutiny in 2013 for a $5200 taxpayer-funded trip to Cairns with his wife, shortly before buying an investment property in the region.

The MP paid back the money but insisted he had acted within the rules.

Federal ministers took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to express their grief, with Treasurer Joe Hockey saying he was “shocked and devastated” to hear the news.

Deputy Prime Minister and National Party leader Warren Truss hailed Mr Randall as a “great champion” of his electorate and WA.

Between 2007 and 2010, Mr Randall held shadow parliamentary secretary roles to the opposition leader and in energy, roads and local government.

He served on several committees including the legal and constitutional affairs and privileges committee.

Before his election to the House of Representatives, Mr Randall was a teacher, horse trainer and local councillor.

He is survived by his wife Julie and two children.

A by-election must be held on a Saturday and is usually declared as early as possible so electors are not left without representation.

Mr Randall held Canning with a margin of 12 per cent on a two party preferred basis.

Parliament resumes on August 10 after a winter break.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

We just love him!

If you’re over 50 you might not be a fan of Tom Jones, but you can bet your mum is. If you’re under 40 you might not even know who he is, but your grandmother probably wet her pants at the mere mention of his name.

Peter Garrett gives Bluesfest the nod

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Save Wallum finalist in NSW 2024 environment awards

The Save Wallum campaign has been named as a finalist in the Nature Conservation Council of NSW Environment Awards 2024. The award ceremony will be held in Sydney tonight, and Save Wallum spokesperson and ecologist James Barrie will be attending with Tegan Kitt, another founding member of the group.

New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health

The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.