Retiring senator Chris Back says the sudden death of his close friend and former Western Australian Liberal colleague Don Randall had a “profound and dramatic” influence over his decision to leave politics.
He also wants his replacement to have agricultural and rural credentials to prevent the WA Liberals from being “exposed” by The Nationals WA who want to own and dominate country representation.
Mr Back said he was quitting politics after eight years in the federal senate and made his final speech in the Upper House last week, with this also being his final sitting period in federal politics.
A search is underway to find a replacement. Nominations close on July 7 and a meeting of the Senate Selection Committee will be held on July 22.