QUEENSLAND Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg has praised outgoing Toowoomba South MP John McVeigh, saying he has left big political shoes to fill.
The praise for the Dr McVeigh comes as he prepares to contest the federal seat of Groom, which is being vacated by long serving MP, Ian Macfarlane. The next federal election is expected to be held on July 2.
Dr McVeigh, who holds a PhD in Agribusiness Management, was a star performers as agriculture minister in the former Newman Government.
“John has been a hardworking and passionate advocate for the people of Toowoomba South, having played a fundamental role in the planning and delivery of the vital Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project and securing funding for local education, sporting, infrastructure and community initiatives and projects,” Mr Springborg said.
“As Agriculture Minister with the former LNP Government he worked hard to develop a vision to double agricultural production in Queensland by 2040, and led from the front to successfully deal with a range of major biosecurity challenges, including the nation’s largest outbreak of Bovine Johne’s Disease.
“I congratulate John on his achievements as a Member of Parliament, a Minister and a Shadow Minister, as well as the respect he has shown the community, the Queensland Electoral Commission and the Parliament to prepare for a by-election.”
“The people of Groom can rest assured that, should he be elected, the community will have a strong voice in Canberra.”
Mr Springborg said the Premier had no excuse not to call a by-election to provide certainty for the people of Toowoomba South.
“John has done the right thing by his community by announcing his pending resignation with enough notice to ensure he resolved any outstanding issues for his constituents,” he said.
“The Premier should follow John’s lead in providing Toowoomba South with certainty and act in the best interests of the community.”
