THE Labor Party is acting like an “outlaw motorcycle club” by disregarding the rules governing preselection, says newly named ALP contender for Lalor, Brian Dunn.
Mr Dunn lashed out at special dispensations given to Julia Gillard’s supported candidate, Joanne Ryan, and Williamstown resident Julie Ann Evans.
Ms Ryan was given special dispensation on Saturday after failing to meet a requirement of having more than 12 months of continuous party membership.
“If they really want to get fair dinkum, I’m the only one who’s followed all the rules, paid my money,” Mr Dunn said. “But all of a sudden that’s null and void.”
A Werribee resident of 35 years, Mr Dunn has worked in transport and logistics and been involved in the union movement. A party member since 2004, he said he was pushing for changes to state Labor policies, including raising the amount pokies venues must reinvest in their communities and expanding zone one ticketing across the metropolitan transport network.
“Over the years I’ve worked very hard for the community, where the others seem to come into Lalor for the ride because they know someone,” he said.
The ALP was also criticised by Oz Opera manager and the daughter of former federal treasurer Ralph Willis, Sandra Willis, who withdrew her nomination on Monday because “ineligible candidates and non-financial members of the ALP” had been allowed to stand.
“I am a passionate advocate for the area and believe I could have made a difference,” Ms Willis said.
“I believe I have the appropriate credentials and experience to have been an effective candidate and member for Lalor.”
Three other nominees – Health Services Union branch manager Kimberley Kitching, diplomat Lisa Clutterham and branch member Theresa Sgambaro – have withdrawn their candidacy since Friday.
Ms Kitching and Ms Clutterham have announced their support for Ms Ryan, who played a lead role in the successful 1998 campaign against a planned toxic dump in Werribee.
Ms Ryan said she was standing because Ms Gillard’s replacement needed to be someone who was committed to Lalor.
‘‘That person needs to be someone who understands the grassroots level of the community and who is committed to that part of the work, and that’s me.”
Candidates will spend the next two weeks vying for the support of branch members, with the preselection process involving a local ballot and voting by the party’s 100-member public office selection committee.
