The LNP State Convention is one of our most important events. The LNP family comes together from far and wide. We have the opportunity to listen to our leaders at both federal level, state level, and, I should also say, local government level, and that’s a really important part of the process. We have an opportunity to discuss internal matters with respect to the operation of the party, and also members have a opportunity to express their views regarding a range of matters, and that’s a really important part of our process. We’re a grassroots party, and members have the right to express their views at forums like the state convention.
Steve Austin
What’s the membership size of the LNP in Queensland at the moment, currently? Do you happen to know?
Senator Scarr
I couldn’t tell you precisely what the membership number is at this point in time, but I can tell you, there was an extremely strong turnout at the LNP Convention over the weekend. So there are hundreds and hundreds of people in attendance at the convention, some as delegates, some as observers, some members were awarded life membership, and that’s always a highlight of the LNP state convention, from my perspective, where you recognize and honor those people who have given a commitment to a cause, in some cases, for over 50 years.
Steve Austin
A report was given on the federal election results, the loss. The report, I think, was delivered by Ian Walker. What did you learn, Senator Paul Scarr?
Senator Scarr
Ian did a great job in terms of summarizing some of the major issues in relation to the Federal Election Campaign.
Steve Austin
Which were?
Senator Scarr
Well, it was behind closed doors, Steve, so it was for the benefit of the members, and Ian is going to have input with respect to the review, which is taking place at a federal level, by Nick Minchin and Pru Goward. And I think that’s a really important part of the process. But it was, it was a very, very good presentation from my perspective.
Steve Austin
Was the responsibility for the loss sheeted home significantly to Peter Dutton and his team, or to the policy positions of the LNP or the Liberal Party.
Senator Scarr
I don’t think it’s appropriate to go into the details, and I don’t think Ian’s presentation was in the nature of sheeting home blame or responsibility. And those who know Ian know he’s not like that. And I think it was really an objective analysis that talked about a whole range of factors, some internal, but many of them were external, in terms of issues which arose overseas and maybe colored the political debate in this country at the time of our election and created uncertainty in the minds of people. What I would say about Peter Dutton, who I’ve known for nearly 40 years now, is he did come to the convention, and when he was acknowledged, he got a standing ovation, a standing ovation for him and Kirilly, and I think the LNP family recognizes the great contribution that Peter and his family have made to public life. So there, there’s a lot of affection, as you’d expect for Peter in the Queensland LNP.
Steve Austin
My guest is Queensland LNP senator, Senator Paul Scarr. I’m talking with Senator Scarr after the LNP state convention on the weekend. This is 612 ABC, Brisbane. The conference showed, in my mind, that the grassroots membership of the LNP has a different political priority list than the actual elected members in both state parliament and federal parliament in Canberra, scrapping the Net Zero Policy, reaffirming position against gender surgeries on children, voted against paid domestic violence leave and also significant debate around whether or not private or independent schools could choose their own staff based on religious affiliation. How does the voter interpret the difference between the grassroots membership of the LNP and the elected members in Parliament, Senator Scarr?
Senator Scarr
I think it’s important that we don’t generalize in relation these matters. And there has been reporting made with respect to a whole range of policy principles which were discussed at the convention. The first point to know is that the views expressed at things like conventions etc, aren’t binding on the parliamentary party, either at a federal or state level. Having said that, it’s of course, of course, incumbent upon us, as elected officials, affiliated and pre selected by the by the LNP, to have serious regard to the matters which are raised. Just just to give you an example, Steve, in relation to Net Zero resolution, it’s a bit more complicated with respect to how you presented it. The resolution that was passed was driven by concern with respect to the ever increasing electricity prices we’re facing. It was driven by concern for our mining industry, manufacturing industry and agriculture industry. It was a resolution which was against net zero mandates. And I emphasize, that term mandates, where targets are mandated in legislation to be met. It’s still countenanced and called for a flexible policy calling for emissions reductions, and it listed a range of matters to be considered in terms of trying to come up with the right policy. So I just wanted to make that clear, it’s a bit more complicated and nuanced, and I just want to make sure your listeners are aware of that. From a federal, parliamentary point of view, we’re going through a policy review process under the leadership of Sussan Ley, my colleague Dan Tehan, who I think is the right person for the job, is looking at our policy position with respect to emissions reduction and energy policy, and that process is ongoing. It needs to be based on the best available evidence at the time, and it needs to take into account the concerns which were raised by the grassroots membership of the LNP. And it also needs to take into account the concerns that are held by many Australians with respect to the need for emissions reduction.
Steve Austin
So will the votes that took place at the Convention on the weekend have any effect? You are in Canberra, in the either chamber of Parliament. You are in the Senate. Federal Parliament returns today. Will the LNP’s position, method of debate or policy focus change at all, Senator Scarr?
Senator Scarr
As I said, it isn’t binding on the parliamentary party, and we have a process which we’re undertaking at the moment. At the same time, I believe all the members, elected members, who are pre selected by the LNP membership, need to be very cognizant of the concerns that were raised by the membership in relation to electricity prices, in relation to safeguarding our national sovereign capability, with respect to manufacturing, etc, and that all needs to be considered in terms of coming out with the right policy position to take to the next election.
Steve Austin
My guest is Senator Paul Scarr. So also at the Convention on the weekend, Lawrence Springborg retired, stood down from his position as Party President, and Doug Hawkes was placed in the role. Who is Doug Hawkes? He wasn’t voted in, he was appointed. Who is this person?
Senator Scarr
I need to provide a bit more nuance there as well. Steve. There’s open and democratic process, and every member of the LNP had an opportunity to nominate for the position of president. It was known that Doug was going to nominate and that would be usual in terms of succession, given he was a Vice President, and no one put their hand up to run against him. So he was elected unopposed, so he wasn’t appointed, he was elected unopposed. And I think that is an important point to make. [cut off]
Steve Austin
Was a vote put to the floor? Could you clarify, for me, was a vote put to the floor of the convention?
Senator Scarr
I’m just trying to remember. [cut off]
Steve Austin
I understand there was no vote at the floor of the convention. I could be wrong.
Senator Scarr
Look, I’m not trying to prevaricate here. I’m literally trying to remember. But as far as I’m concerned, it was a democratic process. No one got up and took objection when he was actually announced as the President. But I thought, I thought Lawrence handled it appropriately. That was, that was my position.
Steve Austin
Who is Mr. Hawkes?
Senator Scarr
Well, he’s a good person, Steve. First, he runs a small business in the engineering sector, very successful small business. He’s been a loyal member of the party for many years. I first really got to know him when I did the 2020 review of the state election campaign, and he was heavily involved in the campaign in Aspley, and as soon as I met him, I was extraordinarily impressed.
Steve Austin
Senator Paul Scarr Queensland, LNP Senator.
