Four Liberal senators vie for Senate President job

Western Australian senator Dean Smith is one of four senators who’ve put their hand up to become the next President of the Senate.

Alongside Senator Smith, senators David Fawcett, and veteran senator Ian MacDonald have also nominated, as has current Special Minister of State Scott Ryan.

Tasmanian Senator David Bushby, who had been tipped to be in the running, has not nominated.

The decision on who will be granted the high paying role will be decided at a party room meeting when parliament returns. The prestigious role comes with an annual salary of $350,000.

The position became vacant following the resignation of Senator Stephen Parry who revealed that he may be a dual citizen by descent.

If Senator Smith is elected to the role by his colleagues, he would become the first ‘out’ gay politician to hold the position.

OIP Staff