July 28 by-elections could force Labor to postpone its national conference in Adelaide
VOTERS in Mayo and four other federal electorates will go to the polls in simultaneous “Super Saturday” by-elections on July 28 but it hasn’t pleased the Labor Party.
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The candidates for the Mayo by-election:
- Centre Alliance: Rebekha Sharkie
- Liberal: Georgina Downer
- Greens: Major “Moogy” Sumner
- (potentially) Labor: Alice Dawkins
VOTERS in Mayo and four other federal electorates will go to the polls in simultaneous “Super Saturday” by-elections on July 28.
A furious Labor Party was on Thursday night considering postponing its national conference, which is due to be held in Adelaide from July 26-28.
More than 1500 Labor members and observers had been preparing to converge on Adelaide for the conference.
Voters will elect MPs for the seats of Mayo, Perth, Fremantle, Longman and Braddon after four of them quit over the dual citizenship crisis.
House of Representatives Speaker Tony Smith said July 28 was the “optimal date” for the polls.
He said the delay would give the Australian Electoral Commission time to implement new rules designed to prevent a repeat of the citizenship saga and ensure the elections weren’t held during school holidays.
Labor Senate Leader Penny Wong clashed with Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers in a committee hearing over the advice he had given to the Government.
Mr Rogers asked Senator Wong: “Are you saying that I am partisan Senator?”
Senator Wong replied: “I’m saying this looks partisan — the time frames.’’
Labor also pointed out it would leave the five seats, four of which were held by the opposition, without members for 79 days.
The new members won’t be able to take up their seats until August 13 at the earliest.
Centre Alliance Mayo candidate Rebekha Sharkie agreed the by-elections should be held sooner.
Liberal candidate Georgina Downer said she would work tirelessly to win the seat over the coming weeks.
House of Representatives Speaker Tony Smith said July 28 was the “optimal date” for the polls.
He said the delay would give the Australian Electoral Commission time to implement new rules designed to prevent a repeat of the citizenship saga and ensure the elections weren’t held during school holidays.
Labor Senate Leader Penny Wong clashed with Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers in a committee hearing over the advice he had given to the Government.
Mr Rogers asked Senator Wong: “Are you saying that I am partisan Senator?”
Senator Wong replied: “I’m saying this looks partisan — the time frames.’’
Labor also pointed out it would leave the five seats, four of which were held by the opposition, without members for 79 days.
The new members won’t be able to take up their seats until August 13 at the earliest.
Centre Alliance Mayo candidate Rebekha Sharkie agreed the by-elections should be held sooner.
Liberal candidate Georgina Downer said she would work tirelessly to win the seat over the coming weeks.
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