GELLIBRAND ALP members are being urged to cast their preselection votes carefully on Sunday. Five ALP hopefuls are trying to win the backing of local branch members in a bid to replace former attorney-general Nicola Roxon, who retires at the September 14 federal election.
Health Services Union head Kimberley Kitching, backed by Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten, has emerged as potentially the biggest threat to Senator Stephen Conroy’s former adviser Tim Watts.
Julia Mason has also entered what she termed “a pretty open race”. In 2007, she ran against Andrew Robb in the bayside seat of Goldstein, recording a 4 per cent swing to Labor.
Ms Roxon has thrown her support behind former staffer Katie Hall, while Williamstown local Daniel McKinnon is running without factional support.
“They’ve divided up the electorate between the factions,” Mr McKinnon said.
“When market players make deals with each other, it’s cartel behaviour and it robs the members of their say.
“It’s very important for the party not only to avoid branch stacking but to avoid the appearance of branch stacking because it completely undermines the credibility and the authority of the party.”
Local branches start voting for their preferred candidate on Sunday. To be preselected, a candidate needs a majority of votes on both the ground and at the 100-member central panel, better known as the public office selection committee.
Local branches collectively and the POSC each have a 50 per cent say.
Local branches vote for their preferred candidate ahead of the central panel.
Ms Hall urged members to consider their first preference vote very carefully.
“This is going to be a close contest and I urge preselectors to make very considered decisions. Every single vote counts.”
