The special commissioner for lawn-mowing with one eye on a senate spot
This week in our Queensland public sector column, Public Circus considers a controversial figure’s work (and future), euthanasia review calls and an IR bill plea.
This forms part of what’s been described as an initial consultation phase from Cripps seeking feedback on barriers and opportunities around the idea, and how it might happen – if it does.
Given the current squeeze on departmental budgets, however, we can only imagine any systemic (and costly) program to shift bureaucrats from Brisbane would be off-the-cards.
Which brings us back to the more capital P politics of the moment. Circus has also heard from those elements of the tent that Cripps is expected to raise his hand for the party’s second federal senate ticket spot when Matt Canavan leaves to run for the lower house at an election due by early 2028.
While holding strong internal party support, sources granted anonymity to discuss internal LNP rumblings said the former senate preselection candidate has become somewhat of a lightning rod in state politics after landing the special commissioner gig.
Some sources said a senate tilt would ruffle feathers among state colleagues given the media scrutiny that followed. He’s also likely to come up against a “Melbourne Cup field” for the once-prized second Senate spot.
