By Parker McKenzie
Former Yarra Ranges Councillor and Victorian Senator Cathrine Burnett-Wake has announced her intention to run for the Liberal Party candidacy in Aston, following Alan Tudge’s retirement from politics.
Ms Burnett-Wake announced she will be submitting a nomination to be the Liberal Party’s candidate in an online statement on Monday 13 February.
“I have been overwhelmed by the volume of encouragement and support from many within the Aston community, which has come swiftly following Mr Tudge’s announcement,” she said.
“I thank them for their support.”
Mr Burnett-Wake was appointed as the Upper House member for Eastern Victoria following Edward O’Donogue’s retirement from politics in late 2021. She lost a controversial pre-selection for the number one position on the Liberal Party’s ticket ahead of the 2022 Victorian state election.
Ms Burnett-Wake said her local connections to Aston run deep.
The Eastern Victoria Region, which I represented in the State Legislative Council, overlaps Aston,” she said.
“My children are at a local school in Wantirna South and have been for the past 11 years, and they play sports in the community. My Business services clients throughout Aston, and it’s where my family shops.”
Before entering state politics, Ms Burnett-Wake was a Yarra Ranges councillor for Streeton Ward, a position she resigned from following her appointment in the Upper House, and works as a migration agent.
She said she looks forward to being considered by the Liberal Party for the honour of being the candidate and for the opportunity to represent the Aston community.
“Importantly, I believe my community ties, career and lived experience put me in the best position to retain the seat for the party,” she said.
“In line with pre-selection rules, I will make no further comments on my candidacy.”
The date of the Aston by-election has yet to be announced.
