fed: Parer quits but denies posting pending

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2000
fed: Parer quits but denies posting pending

A former HOWARD government frontbencher who quit politics yesterday for family reasons
denies being offered a diplomatic post.

Former Resources Minister WARWICK PARER could have remained a senator until 2005 but
he sent his resignation, effective immediately, to Senate President MARGARET REID.

The 63-year-old says he wants to spend more time with his 18 grandchildren and Mr PARER
dismissed suggestions he was offered a diplomatic job.

Mr PARER will be absent when federal parliament resumes next week and Queensland Liberals
will start looking for a replacement for him on Sunday.

Barrister GEORGE BRANDIS and former Queensland Liberal director DAVID FRASER have
been mentioned as contenders for the position.

AAP RTV sc/jn/gmw/wz

KEYWORD: PARER (BRISBANE)

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.