Three in battle for position of Speaker
The Age
By MARK FORBES
CANBERRA
Monday 28 January 2002
Victorian MP David Hawker will challenge Neil Andrew for the job of Speaker of the House of Representatives, forcing a battle in the Federal Government.
Mr Andrew claims to have the support of Prime Minister John Howard to continue as Speaker, but Mr Hawker has been canvassing support among colleagues. His nomination prompted former minister David Jull to announce he would also contest the position.
"As this is a strictly internal party ballot, I will be making no further public comment on the issue," Mr Jull said in a short statement.
Some government MPs believe Mr Andrew has not been tough enough on the opposition and is too eager to discipline colleagues on the Coalition benches.
Last year Mr Andrew said Mr Howard had indicated he was backing him to retain the position, but the Prime Minister has avoided making a public commitment.
Mr Hawker pledged he would be firm but fair if he became speaker. "Most of all I will work to build the public's faith in our parliament," he said.
The Coalition party room will select the next speaker on February 11, the day before parliament sits.
The speaker's position carries significant prestige and remuneration, with a salary of $200,000 a year. Government sources said the vote could be close.
Mr Hawker succeeded former prime minister Malcolm Fraser in the safe regional seat of Wannon in 1983 and chairs the House of Representatives' economics committee.