Former Tasmanian Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson has ruled himself out of the upcoming Senate preselection race, opting instead to continue his work in state politics rather than pursue a return to federal parliament.

The decision comes amid speculation within the Tasmanian Liberal Party following the announcement that sitting senators Wendy Askew and Jonathon Duniam would be stepping down or leaving politics, opening up potential vacancies in the party’s Senate ticket.

Ferguson confirmed that after considering the opportunity, he decided his priorities remain with Tasmanian state issues, particularly those affecting northern Tasmania. He said he wanted to continue focusing on long-term challenges rather than shifting back into federal politics.

Among the key issues he highlighted were:

ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing households uncertainty surrounding the future of the Boags brewery major infrastructure and development projects, including proposed regional investments and economic recovery initiatives broader concerns about employment and regional growth in northern Tasmania

Ferguson also referenced what he described as “unfinished business” in gambling harm reform, a long-standing policy area he has previously championed. He has been a prominent advocate for stronger gambling regulations, including reforms targeting poker machine harm reduction and tighter consumer protections.

By ruling out the Senate race, Ferguson effectively signals that he intends to remain active in Tasmanian politics rather than returning to Canberra. He has previously served in both state and federal roles, including as Deputy Premier and Treasurer in Tasmania, and as a former federal MP for the electorate of Bass.

Political observers had viewed him as a strong potential candidate for the Senate, particularly given his experience and profile within the Liberal Party. However, his decision clears the field for other contenders within the party to compete for preselection.

The Liberal Party is currently preparing to fill multiple Senate positions due to a broader reshuffle, which has triggered speculation about possible candidates from both northern and southern Tasmania. Ferguson’s withdrawal is expected to reshape internal party dynamics as the selection process continues.

In his comments, Ferguson emphasised that his focus is on delivering outcomes for Tasmanians rather than pursuing titles or career advancement. He suggested that staying in state politics allows him to directly engage with issues affecting local communities.

The decision reflects a broader pattern in Tasmanian politics, where experienced figures often weigh the trade-off between federal influence and state-level impact, particularly when major regional issues are at stake.

For now, Ferguson remains committed to his current role and has indicated he will continue working on economic, social, and regional development priorities in Tasmania.