I wish to respond to the article ‘ALP candidate selection undemocratic’ in Coast Community News Issue 153, published on March 9.
As a former ALP candidate for the NSW Seat of Gosford, I must criticise former NSW ALP General Secretary, Mr John Della Bosca, over his recent public statement about the endorsement of Ms Anne Charlton as ALP candidate for Robertson.
Della Bosca accused the ALP of engaging in a “grubby, undemocratic factional deal” but he has done the same.
Back in 1991, Della Bosca used his influence as the ALP NSW General Secretary to deny local branch members a rank and file preselection to select their own candidate in a blatant attempt to favour one of his own “stooges”.
Della Bosca repeatedly ignored letters from Central Coast ALP branches requesting a preselection.
In the end, and having left it too late for anyone to mount an effective campaign, he ended up hand-picking a candidate to represent the ALP.
Della Bosca’s actions created unnecessary division amongst local ALP members at the time who had wanted a preselection.
This current matter is one for the ALP to resolve internally.
Uncalled-for public statements such as those of Della Bosca make you wonder if there was a hidden agenda behind Della Bosca’s public attack.
What should have been an internal matter for the ALP, became a public personal attack on Anne Charlton.
Ms Charlton, despite his comments, ran a good campaign for Robertson in the federal election last year, but was defeated on the day.
There are always more losers than winners in any State or Federal election, but to lose doesn’t mean personal failure, just disappointment.
Email,
Mar 19, 2017
Dr Stephen Goodwin,
Mangrove Mountain