Albo reveals Labor candidate as long-serving MP Graham Perrett reveals he will bow out at next election

The prime minister was in Brisbane on Saturday to announce Graham Perrett’s replacement for the federal seat, paying tribute to Mr Perett for his service to the people in the Brisbane area.

Mr Perrett has held the seat since 2007 for the party.

“Graham you are much loved and respected across the parliament, but you choose the time of your departure which is to your great credit,” Mr Albanese said.

“You have held this seat election after election … you get to choose, most people in politics don’t get to choose the time of their departure.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was in the Brisbane suburb of Acacia Ridge on Saturday to announce a new Labor candidate for the seat of Moreton. Picture NewsWire / David Clark

Mr Perret will be replaced by Julie-Ann Campbell, who will run for Labor in the seat of Morton at the next election

Mr Albanese described the Division of Moreton as one of the most multicultural seats in the nation.

“Julie-Ann Campbell with her background, part Chinese, is particularly well suited to engage with the community here like Graham has,” he said.

“Ms Campbell works at EY and is someone who is passionate about economics, making a difference and cost of living pressures.”

The prime minister said three of their new candidates in Queensland were women and he was pleased to already have a female majority caucus in parliament.

Labor’s new candidate for the seat of Moreton Julie-Ann Campbell with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture NewsWire / David Clark

“What we are seeing is that Labor will continue to be party that recognises gender equity,” he said.

During the press conference, Mr Albanese pressed about upgrades to the Bruce Highway after a chemical truck exploded in a fatal crash destroying a section of the road.

The crash was the third fatality on the highway in a week reigniting calls for a dual carriageway for the entire length of the Bruce Highway.

“The Bruce Highway is a major project that we are contributing $10b for the Bruce Highway,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said they had contributed $10 billion to upgrade the Bruce Highway Picture NewsWire / David Clark

“What Queenslanders had enough of under the former government, for example the Rockhampton Ring Road, was to actually do something about it rather than put out a press release.

“Queenslanders know you can’t drive on a press release you need a road, and in order to complete the road you need workers, you need the concrete and other materials that are required in the supply chain and you need to make sure you get all the planning right.

“I am committed to do things as soon as possible and we are working through with the Queensland Government who actually manage these projects.”