Everingham staying put

The chief executive officer of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, Paul Everingham, has ruled out nominating for the vacant senate position when finance minister Mathias Cormann quits politics later this year.

However former Barnett government minister, Joe Francis, has said he is likely to run after encouragement from some Liberal Party members.

Mr Everingham, who is a former director of the WA Liberal Party, was appointed to his CME position in 2018. He had been considered a strong contender to replace Senator Cormann who will bow out as Australia's longest serving finance minister. By convention, the vacancy must be filled from the same party as the retiring member.

“Whoever does replace Mathias will have huge shoes to fill,” Mr Everingham said.

Former Corrective Services and Small Business Minister, Joe Francis, who lost his state seat in the massive anti Liberal swing at the 2018 state election, has said he is seriously considering nominating.

Mr Francis is a member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. He has strong community links, including as WA chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and is an active member of the naval reserve.

The Liberal Party will decide who will fill the casual vacancy. The party's choice will then be ratified by State Parliament, probably early next year.