While Dr Beattie would not be drawn on his prospects for winning the top job, a source close to the Premier said the popular state leader was not being ruled out.
“I am, I mean, he is the most popular premier in the nation,” the source said, “and I could, I mean, he could easily translate that popularity to the federal level.
“All I have, I mean, all he has to do is get the nod from the factions and find a vacant House of Representatives seat.
“As a past state secretary I know, I mean, he knows it can be done,” the source added.
Dr Beattie called a news conference yesterday to announce he would not be commenting on the federal Labor Party leadership.
Under sustained questioning he remained tightlipped on the likelihood of being drafted into the federal Labor Party leadership.
“I’m not getting into that subject,” he told reporters.
“I’m not going to stand here and tout myself as the sort of election-winning, factional rift-healing, unifying force Labor needs right now at the federal level.
“I’ll let others be the judge of just how suitable I’d be for the job,” Mr Beattie said.
