The Queensland Liberals are getting a transfusion of new
blood. Not. Former Senator, one time “Minister for Coal” and flatmate to one J
Howard Warwick Parer looks set to be elected unopposed to replace new state MP
Michael Caltabiano as state party president.

Parer is 70, has had little involvement with the party
since he stepped down under a cloud at the 1998 election, and is regarded by
many Liberals as a walking conflict of interest – but remains a John
Howard/Santo Santoro loyalist.

In a piece of classic management by the Queensland Liberal
powers that be, Caltabiano did not formally announce he would be standing down
before the nominations for the presidency closed, allowing them to put up its
chosen successor unopposed.

The election of Parer will be a major setback for the Costello forces in Queensland. Whereas Caltabiano
seemed to be leaning towards Costello, there can be no doubt where Parer’s loyalties lie.

The appointment will also be lifeline for the Queensland
ALP. Parer’s extensive coal industry interests that caused him so much embarrassment
during his time as a minister are bound to be revisited by Labor, in the state
parliament and Canberra.

The appointment will also be welcomed by the Queensland
Nationals, desperate to re-form a State Coalition.

News of Parer’s success comes amidst allegations of
stacking in the seat of Fadden, held by David Jull, who has been suffering
major illness.

More tense times lie ahead for the Queensland Liberals.