The Country Liberals' new Northern Territory candidate is not taking it as a given that she will take over retiring Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion's Senate seat.
Small businesswoman Sam McMahon was elected as the lead CLP Senate ticket candidate by party members, from a field of 12 hopefuls, at a meeting in Darwin on Saturday night.
Dr McMahon is a rural vet from the town of Katherine, three hours south of Darwin, with a veterinary practice in the town and one in Alice Springs.
She also holds directorships, including on the Australian Veterinary Association.
"I bring leadership, strong corporate governance, a great background in business, and years of experience in the Territory," she told the ABC after her jubilant reception by party members.
She said she will campaign on a platform of sound economic and environmental management.
"Some of the important things are energy security, water security, sound fiscal and economic management, and jobs for the people," she said.
Up to now the Territory has routinely returned one CLP and one Labor Senator each to its two Upper House seats.
But Dr McMahon said the rise of independent politicians has changed the political game.
"I don't see it as a two-horse race at all, I mean I know that has been the case in the past," she said.
"But we absolutely can't count on that. We can't take the people for granted, we can't be complacent.
"We've got to put up a credible showing to convince the voters that we are the way to go."
Mr Scullion, who announced he will retire at the next election to do more pig shooting and fishing, said he expects his replacement will be a great hands-on politician.
He said he feels confident he will be leaving the race for his seat in a safe pair of hands.
"It's a changeover from a humble fisherman to a humble vet," he said.
"Sam's a great Territory character, she knows so many people across the Territory, she's a hands on individual.
"She has real people skills. I just think she's a fantastic candidate."
The CLP's other federal candidates — Kathy Ganley, standing in Solomon against sitting Labor member Luke Gosling, and Jacinta Price standing in Lingiari against sitting Labor member Warren Snowdon — were keen to point out all the CLP's lead federal candidates are now women.
The Federal Coalition has been taking months of flack over its small percentage of female federal members.
Ms Ganley said in a Territory of Australia considered to be one of the most "blokey", this was a sign that the CLP were taking a lead on changing that perception.
Twenty-eight year old Alice Springs electrician Joshua Burgoyne will remain on the CLP Senate ticket second spot.
