2 Feb 2020

Libs Fill Cory’s SA Senate Position | The Advertiser

Matt Smith | The Advertiser

LIBERAL Party members have selected former army officer Andrew McLachlan to replace Cory Bernardi in the Senate.

Mr McLachlan, pictured, the President of the South Australian Legislative Council, easily won a ballot yesterday over two conservative candidates – former Law Society of Australia president Morry Bailes and business consultant Michael Van Dissel.

Watched by SA Senator Simon Birmingham, Mr McLachlan said it was a great privilege to be selected by the Liberal Party to represent the state in the Senate. “It’s a very exciting opportunity for
me,” he said. “A little sad in some ways leaving my state colleagues but I will continue to work extremely closely with them to advance the interests of the state.” Mr McLachlan is not expected to be replaced in the SA Parliament for about four weeks. Mr Bernardi defected from the Liberal Party in 2017 to set up the Australian Conservatives.