LONG standing LNP member Jeff Seeney will not contest the next Queensland election.
The Monto based member for Callide has been a major contributor to conservative politics since he entered parliament in 1998.
The 60 year old served as deputy premier is the Newman government from 2012-15 and was previously opposition leader from 2006-08 and 2011-12.
Mr Seeney is recognised as a master tactician in parliament. His country mannerisms were backed by a sharp political mind and a deep understanding of policy and legislation, often to the surprise of his opponents.
LNP leader Tim Nicholls said Queensland would lose a great warrior, a gentle giant and a passionate advocate for regional and rural Queensland at the next state election.
“I personally want to pay tribute and thank Jeff Seeney for his colossal contribution to public life in Queensland,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Jeff is one of the great believers in Queensland, in its future and in our parliament.
“Jeff and I have stood shoulder to shoulder and fought many battles together, none more so than fighting Labor’s sale of Queensland Rail in 2010. A fight that took us into the early hours of the morning and saw a full use of Jeff’s mastery of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
“Queensland, especially regional Queensland is better off for Jeff’s devotion and presence in parliament.
“Since I first entered the parliament, Jeff Seeney has been both a mentor and my great friend.
“I pay tribute to Therese Seeney. Behind all of us, is a family which puts up with our absences, our constant communication and our need to have a broader family of some 30,000 voters in each of our electorates.
“I look forward to working with Jeff as he continues to represent the people of Callide and be part of the team that is determined to see the LNP returned to government at the next election.”
