A week after announcing his resignation from the House of Representatives, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has not yet submitted his resignation to the Speaker.
Under Section 37 of the Constitution, a member resigns “by writing addressed to the Speaker”. As of close of business on Wednesday night (November 20), the Speaker had made no announcement to the House of Rudd’s resignation as the member for Griffith.
Rudd’s biographical details also remain on the Parliament House website.
Rudd has not appeared in the House chamber since announcing his resignation last week. He has not voted in any of the divisions called since then.
Given that a minimum 33 days notice is required for a by-election, it is now not possible for a by-election this year. The end of January is now the likely earliest date for the by-election.
Dr. Bill Glasson, the Liberal National candidate at this year’s federal election, was confirmed this week as the party’s candidate for the by-election. Glasson is a former president of the Australian Medical Association.
The ALP’s candidate has not yet been chosen. The Right’s candidate appears to be Captain Jeremy de Lore, 43, a pilot with Virgin, whilst the Left will support Terri Butler, an employment lawyer with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.
Glasson secured a 5.45% two-party swing against Rudd on September 7, reducing the ALP’s two-party majority to 53.01%. Glasson won 42.22% of the primary vote (up 6.42%) to Rudd’s 40.36% (down 3.72%). The Greens polled 10.18% (down 5.21%), whilst the Palmer United Party received 3.36%.
Rudd suffered a two-party swing against him of 3.86% in the 2010 election. The swing is 9.31% over the two elections. The ALP will be hoping that anti-Labor sentiment has run its course.
The House of Representatives will adjourn today for a week’s break until it convenes again on December 2 for a two-week sitting.
