Maverick former Coalition MP George Christensen, who was about to retire on the federal election, will as a substitute run for the Senate for Pauline Hanson's One Nation.
Mr Christensen will sit third on the One Nation ticket, which means a return to Canberra for the outspoken Queenslander who was usually a thorn in Prime Minister Scott Morrison's aspect is a protracted shot, primarily based on earlier Senate voting patterns in Queensland.
The controversial Queensland MP introduced final 12 months he would not run for reelection with the Liberal Nationwide Celebration, citing a need to spend extra time together with his household and politics "not working" for conservatives.
"It has come as no shock to many individuals that, for a protracted whereas, I've diverged with the views of the federal government, most notably across the problem of vaccine mandates," Mr Christensen mentioned whereas addressing media with Senator Hanson this morning.
He mentioned Senator Hanson had lately approached him to ask if needed to proceed his political profession with One Nation.
"I didn't wish to run once more for the seat of Dawson," he mentioned, talking concerning the North Queensland electoral seat he has held since 2010.
"She requested me if I'd be part of her Senate ticket and I mentioned 'sure'."
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Mr Christensen mentioned he had grown more and more disgruntled over the Coalition's dealing with of what he described as "key conservative points", together with spiritual liberty, abortion legal guidelines, freedom of speech, coal-fired energy and Chinese language authorities possession of Australian land and property.
"The individuals have indicated they've sufficient of the key political events," Senator Hanson mentioned.
"They're searching for change, they're searching for illustration, searching for individuals who will symbolize them on the ground of parliament with integrity and honesty."
An outspoken critic of COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates, Mr Christensen accused the Morrison authorities of "full and utter overreach" throughout the pandemic.
He mentioned the federal government had been "blowing up freedoms and rights" for too lengthy.
Talking on At the moment, Nationals Senator Matt Canavan known as Mr Christensen's transfer a "desertion" and "cowardly".
"I get George was upset with a few of the selections that we have been made within the authorities celebration room."
In becoming a member of One Nation, he mentioned Mr Christensen can be going to the "echo chamber" of a "minor celebration".
One Nation has already introduced Julie Corridor as its candidate for the citizens of Dawson.
Mr Christensen received Dawson from Labor's James Bidgood, whose one time period was the one time Labor have succeeded within the citizens since 1974.
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Mining magnate Clive Palmer had earlier tried to woo Mr Christensen into becoming a member of his United Australia Celebration.