FormerMPputs her handupfor Aston

By STEFAN BRADLEY

CATHRINE Burnett-Wake, aformer Victorian Liberal Party Upper House MP for Eastern Victoria, has put her hand up to run in the byelection for the federal seat of Aston, vacated by former Coalition government cabinet minister, Alan Tudge.

Ms Burnett-Wake, who is also aformer Yarra Ranges councillor, made the announcement in a Twitter post on Monday.

“I have been overwhelmed by the volume of encouragement and supportfrom many within the Aston community, which has come swiftly following Mr Tudge’s announcement,” Ms BurnettWake said.

“I thank them for their support.”

Ms Burnett-Waketouted her localconnections to Aston,aseat in the easternsuburbs of Melbourne.

“The Eastern Victoria Region, which Irepresented in the State Legislative Council, overlaps Aston,” she said.

“My children are at alocal school in Wantirna South and havebeen 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.”

Ms Burnett-Wakesaidshe believed her “community ties, career and lived experience” put her in the best position to retain Aston for the Liberals.

“In line with pre-selection rules, Iwill make no further comments on my candidacy.”

Cathrine Burnett-WakerepresentedEastern VictoriafromDecember 2021until November 2022.

In acontroversialpre-selection in July,Sale’s Renee Heath defeated Ms Burnett-Wakeinaclose vote of 53 to 55.

This was despite federal Liberal leader, Peter Dutton, backing Ms Burnett-Wake.

As the first on the Upper House ticket for the Coalition,DrHeath was elected easily at the November state election.

Alan Tudge resigned from federal Parliament last week, after nearly 13 years as aLiberal MP, citing family and health reasons.

Former Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, who was defeated in the seat of Kooyong close by, ruled out running in the seat.

Mr Frydenberg has publicly backed Melbourne City councillor, Roshena Campbell.