THE LIBERAL party is set to parachute a Melbourne candidate into Corio to run against Labor’s Richard Marles at this year’s federal election.
The party has yet to formally approve Peter Read but he was the sole applicant to nominate for pre-selection.
The Independent has obtained a copy of Mr Read’s application for endorsement, in which he cited an extensive background in military “intelligence” roles with branches including special air services, Australian Defence Forces Warfare Centre and army headquarters.
Mr Read said he joined the army as a cadet in 1982 and now served as chief of staff at a combined arms training centre.
He also cited “contemporary operational experience” in his application.
He listed service in Afghanistan and Iraq among his major career achievements.
“I am able to quickly grasp the complexities and nuances of a problem and to develop innovative policy options to resolve the issue,” Mr Read wrote.
Liberal party Corio federal electorate conference head Michelle Challis confirmed Mr Read was the only candidate.
She also confirmed the Liberals had a members-only meet-and-greet party with Mr Read at the home of prominent local party member Helene Bender.
The party has circulated information about Mr Read, stating he is a 49-year-old army officer who hails from the Melbourne federal electorate of Jaga Jaga.
Party insiders voiced concerns the pre-selection nomination was conducted too quickly and “under cover of darkness”.
A member who spoke on condition of anonymity said the “whole process wasn’t put out there properly”.
The call for nominations was advertised inadequately and kept “very low-key”, the member said.
“They parachuted some bloke in from Melbourne then sent out a flyer saying this is the candidate.”
Liberal state director Damien Mantach told the Independent the party was yet to formalise a candidate.
“Under the Liberal party’s constitution the one-applicant procedure has been implemented for the seat of Corio,” he said.
“Until this process is finalised the party does not have a candidate in Corio. We look forward to announcing a candidate soon who will take up the fight against Richard Marles and Labor.”
Mr Marles welcomed Mr Read to the political fray.
“It’s a great honour to stand in the electorate of Corio and, if ultimately endorsed, I congratulate him and look forward to debating critical issues regarding Australian with him.”
Mr Read said he was unable to speak with the Independent.
