Keith Wolahan, 43, defeated Andrews, 65, who held a number of portfolios in the Howard and Abbott governments, by 181 to 111 for the blue ribbon Victorian seat of Menzies, which Andrews has . Veteran Victorian Liberal MP Kevin Andrews has lost preselection for the federal seat of Menzies in Melbourne. He and Sarah were married at Heide Museum of Modern Art. Aaron Patrick is the senior correspondent. On southern Afghanistans dry plains and low-slung mountains, Wolahan discovered a different war to the one he fought behind a desk. He discusses his military service in more detail in a podcast here.Together with his wife Sarah, they are raising their two children and trying to train a dog called Jet. Key points: Keith Wolahan defeated Mr Andrews 181-111, despite expectations of a close vote Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says it represents a "new chapter" for the party in Menzies Later he adds, The Recognition Councils decision was wrong and should be rejected for several reasons., Elsewhere, Wolahan describes calls to establish, a constitutionally-protected representative body for Indigenous people in federal parliament as a sharp departure from the trajectory of Indigenous Constitutional recognition, warning that it enables future activism.. This was one guy, who everyone respects, whod clearly had his time versus a bloke who has so much ahead of him it was nothing more or less than that, said a state Liberal MP. Wolahan rushed back into the headquarters of the Special Operations Task Group to help his fresh replacement find out what happened. Nominations for preselections closed on Wednesday afternoon. A valid active email address and Australian mobile phone number are required for account set up. Kevin Andrews replacement to prioritise economics, not social issues. My dog tags say Catholic but, for me, my faith and my politics are separate, says Wolahan, in a departure from Andrews decades of public campaigning on religious touchstone issues, including euthanasia and the introduction of abortion medication RU486. A prosecutor, Brigadier Lyn McDade, concluded the Afghan was probably defending his home and family and accused the soldiers of criminal negligence. Renewals occur unless cancelled in accordance with the full Terms and Conditions. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. Wiki, Biography, Age, Spouse, Net Worth, Fast Facts. This is an indicator that Australians should look to different approaches to talking about and eliminating racism, he said. Please try again later. Kevin Andrews and Keith Wolahan (Images: AAP, YouTube) After almost 30 years in parliament, capital-C Catholic conservative Kevin Andrews is finally gone as the member for Menzies, replaced by another white male lawyer in the form of Keith Wolahan. Electorate profile. He was part of the legal team that defended two commandos accused of manslaughter for killing five children with grenades during a night-time firefight in a house with a man they said was an insurgent. Preoccupied with the fallout from McCarthys death, Wolahan almost missed the C-17 Globemaster that was to take him away from the sandy outpost. And it is capable of being shockingly destructive to our democracy and to our society.. Wolahan did not directly respond to NITVs question about what he meant when he said identity politics would open a Pandoras box, but did say he was concerned about events in the US. He is currently a Member of the House of Representatives for the seat of Menzies, to which he was first elected at the 2022 Federal Election. [4], When asked why he had joined the military, Wolahan explained that "Australia had been very good to me and my family, and I couldn't think of a better way to give back. The job gave Wolahan influence over some of the worlds best-trained fighters, backed by the might of the US military. Treasurer Josh Frydenburg with newly preselected Menzies candidate Keith Wolahan. Army Officer serving in Afghanistan, 2008. Industries: Retail, healthcare, education and training, manufacturing and various light industries. Authorised by Keith Wolahan MP, Liberal Party, Doncaster VIC 3108. Andrews loss will dent the power of the right-wing bloc because the Menzies electorate office was used by the faction for party political purposes. Long-time MP Kevin Andrews has lost his preselection in the Victorian seat of Menzies. Keith also served in the Australian Army, completing part-time officer training at Duntroon, reaching the rank of Captain. How to listen to podcasts: everything you need to know. How will he approach the Liberals waning popularity in Victoria? Weekend Paper is for The Weekend Australian delivered on a Saturday. Keith Wolahan is an experienced lawyer and veteran who is passionate about improving the local area. Notwithstanding his military work, Wolahan specialises in commercial law, and is one of eight barristers representing trading house Glencore in an epic lawsuit filed by commodities giant Cargill over the $420 million acquisition of a malt maker in 2013. He delivered his first speech to parliament on 5 September 2022. It opens a Pandoras box. In reality, it would have been run in 2016, but at that point all the seats occupied by the Liberals were occupied. Source: Facebook, OPINION: For racism to have consequences, people need to rise up. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. As one federal MP observed on Friday: There are early signs this week that Josh is sniffing the wind. Keith Wolahans last day of his first tour of Afghanistan was probably his worst. Calls for a body similar to The Voice at state or federal level are not new. "[12] He began his service at University, continuing with the Australian Army Reserve, eventually joining 2 Commando Company, 1st Commando Regiment. Back-up cars were stationed at landmarks, including the nearby McDonalds in case another car broke down. The chaotic scenes associated with the swift Taliban takeover of Afghanistan amidst the US withdrawal won't be lost on observers across the Middle East, incl. Mr Sukkar, a leading factional figure in Victoria and long-time ally of Mr Andrews, said he had made a phenomenal contribution to Australia in his 30-year parliamentary career. Returning to Australia to became a barrister, Wolahan helped teach the Army a lesson in legal rights. Minutes after Keith Wolahan found out he had unseated veteran conservative MP Kevin Andrews in a preselection thrashing, a congratulatory Josh Frydenberg brought the former special forces captain into a room. Allow up to 5 days for home delivery to commence (10 days in WA). His loss to barrister and armed forces veteran Keith Wolahan by 181 votes to 111 votes in Sunday's contest was an embarrassment for the party's conservative faction led by federal minister. After 100 days in court, Victorian Supreme Court judge James Elliott is writing his judgment. I dont think we should read too much into it. Tony Abbott, Hunt, Tudge and Andrews numbers men made a flurry of calls asking for members votes. House of Representatives Wolahan was primed to challenge Andrews before the 2016 elections but backed off until 2018 when he was ready to pounce before then-party president Michael Kroger cancelled preselections and sparked years of recriminations. [13] Wolahan was promoted to Captain in 2004 and saw seven periods of active service, including four postings overseas with 2 Commando:[8][12], Wolahan lost two friends in the War in Afghanistan: Marcus Case and Greg Sher. Discussing his calling, Keith held the position of legal counsel for the public business organization Mallesons Stephen Jaques after graduating in 2005, before becoming a lawyer in 2010. [18][19] It was the first time a sitting Victorian Liberal MP had been ousted by their members in more than 20 years. SAS solider Sean McCarthy was killed in Afghanistan in 2008 by a roadside bomb. A redrawing of electoral boundaries designed to ensure each seat has a similar number of people in it could result in the abolition of three seats held by the Liberals. Keith has been pushing shit up a hill for years and theyve tried everything to stop him because they feared this result, says a Liberal operative, who spoke on the condition of anonymity like the other MPs, officials and rank-and-file members in this story because party rules disallow them discussing the preselection in the media. Our Morning Edition newsletter is a curated guide to the most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. The Treasurer called Scott Morrison and handed the phone to Wolahan. You can view it here. Your act of kindness is manifestation of Australian values God bless you God bless Australia Not in conjunction with any other offer. The aggressive questioning at the preselection event reeked of factionalism and breached the golden rule of Liberal internal politics: dont tell branch members, who pick candidates on merit, how to vote. But he conceded the evidence suggested the second Iraq war was a mistake and said there were lessons to be learned from Australias involvement in conflicts throughout the Middle East. [23], Last edited on 28 February 2023, at 03:18, NATO Medal for the Non-Article 5 ISAF Operation in Afghanistan, "Battle for Liberal hearts and minds in Menzies", "Meet the barrister standing for the Liberals in Menzies", "Keith Wolahan MP, Federal Member for Menzies", "Menzies - Federal Electorate, Candidates, Results", "Court finds Viterra engaged in deceit during $420M Joe White sale", "Liberals' new star was shaped by an endless war", "Life on the Line: #109 Keith Wolahan on Apple Podcasts", "Queen's man Abbott in a league on his own", "Liberal MP urges truth on Afghanistan war", "Kevin Andrews toppled in preselection battle for Menzies", "How an ex-special forces captain beat 'the hacks' to win the battle for Menzies", "Keith Wolahan, the ex-commando who unseated Liberal Party stalwart Kevin Andrews, insists he's 'not a moderate', "Liberal stalwart Kevin Andrews loses Menzies preselection to Keith Wolahan", "Major blow for Apple as EU makes USB-C mandatory for phones by 2024", "Kevin Andrews' replacement to prioritise economics, not social issues", "Keith Wolahan at the 29th Conference of the Samuel Griffith Society", "Governor-General's Speech - Address-in-Reply", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Keith_Wolahan&oldid=1142023522, With clasp for CT/SR (Counter Terrorism / Special Recovery), This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 03:18. It wont happen to this extent again, a federal ministerial staffer said. On the day of the vote the Sukkar forces were confidently predicting a 30-vote win. Sign uphere. His first job was at Eastland McDonalds. "I was the only one in the class with that view.". He was a cabinet minister in the Howard government and the Abbott government. His win has prompted a conversation about generational change in the party which party insiders say will embolden challengers to deadwood state Liberal politicians and raised the question of whether the partys membership has shifted from the religious conservatism personified by Andrews, 63, and factional boss, Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar. Whether the events of the past week realign the factional balance in the party is another matter. By contrast, Andrews had distanced himself from local politics for several years. Home Delivery not available in all areas. It shows how the organisation is intent on ensuring that the Liberal Party holds the line on conservative issues., But these guys are not just interested in parliament, theyre interested in the courts as well., -Royce Kurmelovs is an Australian freelance journalist and author of works such as The Death of Holden (2016) and Just Money (2020). No cancellations during the first 12 months. Doncaster, VIC, 3108, PO Box 124 Angus Hordern interviews former commando Keith Wolahan.Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. Help using this website - Accessibility statement, West Australian MP and former SAS officer Andrew Hastie, now being investigated by a special prosecutor. Keith Wolahan plays with his dog Jet at the river in WarrandyteCredit:Jason South. [1] On 28 May 2022, Wolahan's lead grew insurmountable and he declared victory in the seat. An economic and constitutional conservative, Wolahan says economics and national security were his priorities and he would always stand up for free speech, democracy and liberal values. Wolahan is a compassionate person who has surprised many people by doing a lot of humanitarian efforts locally. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. The substantive radical reforms proposed by the Recognition Council in effect seek to give identity politics a dangerous shot of status and legitimacy. He said on Monday he held no ill-will toward the group as they were Mr Andrewss long-time colleagues and it would have been extraordinary if they didnt back him. He qualified as a commando, serving several periods of full-time service within Special Operations Command, including one tour of Timor-Leste (2007) and three combat tours in Afghanistan (2008, 2009/10, 2014). Without constitutional protection, however, any such a body will risk being dismantled or defunded by the government of the day. Last week it was announced the 43-year-old former SAS soldier and barrister, Keith Wolahan, will replace conservative Liberal party stalwart Kevin Andrews after winning a long-running preselection battle to represent the Victorian electorate of Menzies, which covers the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. On Sunday, in Melbourne, he was chosen as the Liberal Partys candidate for Menzies, making history as the first candidate to displace a sitting federal Victorian MP, conservative backbencher Kevin Andrews, in a generation. [20] Wolahan stated that he had raised his concern with members of cabinet and was told concerns about China referred to the government, not its citizens. How old is Keith Wolahan Keith Wolhan was born in 1977 and is now 43 years old. Other state MPs who state Liberals predicted would face challenges include Beverley McArthur, Gary Blackwood, David Morris and Ryan Smith, who has sporadically told colleagues of his ambition to lead the party in recent months. Army Officer serving in Afghanistan, 2014. Anthony Pratt and wife Claudine Revere and children Leon and Lilly joined St Kilda Shule earlier in the year. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Undecided voters probably shifted to Wolahan on the day of the preselection, according to six people who attended it. Explore Liberal Party candidate Keith Wolahans biography Keith Wolahan was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, before moving to Melbourne with his family in 1988. Wolahan was backed by the more moderate grouping in the party, which is in a counter-intuitive alliance with Karina Okotel, a leading party figure with hardline religious views who used to sit with the right faction. If you know some information, please comment below. Liberal Party federal vice-president Karina Okotel. After the first 12 weeks, the cost is $40 billed approximately 4 weekly. Wolahan, a former Army captain, doesn't believe the Liberals should change any of their policies on China. The 2022 federal election saw a 6% swing against the Liberals in Menzies, with votes counted days afterwards. Andrews told the crowd, who skewed elderly, that Australia should be on a war footing with China. An Indigenous Voice to Parliament would ensure Indigenous people have a say on issues that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. He worked at McDonald's in Eastland, Ringwood from 1994 to 1997, while attending school. "[14], Wolahan is married to his wife Sarah and has two children, Leo and Eva. But it is Wolahans serious military record that could lead him, in the future, to rival West Australian MP and former SAS officer Andrew Hastie as an influential figure over the conduct of Australian defence policy and international affairs. I do support the establishment of local and regional bodies to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them.. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Keith and Sarah have given their children a nice home. A valid active email address and Australian mobile phone number are required for account set up. Well never know what the consequences will be [of the case].. Liberal Party federal vice-president Karina Okotel. In the first episode of the Australian politics podcast for 2021, Katharine Murphy talks with former special forces captain and barrister Keith Wolahan after he unseated veteran Liberal MP Kevin . Long-time MP Kevin Andrews has lost his preselection in the Victorian seat of Menzies.Credit:Penny Stephens. They are in relation from previous few years of a strong relationship. keith.wolahan.mp@aph.gov.au (03) 9848 9900. The Guardian is editorially independent. 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