Over recent weeks there has been considerable speculation about whether I would make a move to Senate selection.

I’ll be honest, I have given this opportunity serious thought and talked it through with Julie, our family and people whose judgement I value. I’m grateful for the encouragement and confidence so many people have shown in me – enough to proceed. Julie especially, she’s my rock.

However, after careful consideration and a lot of prayer, I’ve decided not to proceed.

This isn’t about political calculations or the next step in my career. It’s about where I believe I should make the biggest difference and the strongest contribution for my people.

Northern Tasmania is at an important point. While there are challenges, it would be reckless to lose sight of the positive opportunities before us. What will matter is the right sort of leadership to make them happen.

The shock decision on Boags brewery has created uncertainty for working families and the northern economy. Small businesses and families continue to face significant cost pressures – the opposite of what Federal Labor promised. The transition from the Hawthorn era to the next chapter of football with the Devils presents both challenges and opportunities for Launceston and the wider region. We are getting major developments including a new conference centre and new energy projects. These are issues that matter deeply to me and deserve my full attention.

Furthermore, I have unfinished business to protect our families from the insidiousness of gambling harm.

I’ve come to the view that my proper contribution is best made in the role I already have, working each day on the issues affecting the people and communities I represent.

I’ve always said that public office can’t be just chasing titles or positions. It’s about service, delivering outcomes and at times going down fighting when bad decisions are made. I am energised by my duty and the work that lay ahead.

I wish everyone who chooses to nominate for the Senate well. There are some wonderful, talented Liberals in the mix and Tasmania needs our federal representatives to bring an end to Labor’s assault on families, jobs and businesses in order for our state to flourish.

As for me, I’m looking forward to getting on with the job as part of the state Liberal team and continuing to advocate for Northern Tasmania and the issues that matter most to our community – as I’ve been elected to do at seven elections.