Who’s in and out after Labor’s factional brawl and what’s next?
Factional warlords have put their stamp on Anthony Albanese’s new frontbench. Here’s what to make of the squabbling and what may follow.
Sam Rae was a winner from the factional carve-up. He is pictured alongside Victorian Right powerbroker Richard Marles and left-wing senator Penny Wong. Alex Ellinghausen
The post-election jubilation from Labor’s election is fading as factional chieftains divide up the spoils of victory, creating happy winners who get their hands on the levers of power, bitter losers who have lost their jobs, and disgruntled backbenchers upset their talents have been overlooked.
The biggest casualties of Labor’s factional power play have been Mark Dreyfus, who was attorney-general, and Ed Husic, the outgoing industry minister. Those promoted from the obscurity of the backbench are Sam Rae, Daniel Mulino and Jess Walsh.
Andrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondentAndrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery. Connect with Andrew on Facebook and Twitter. Email Andrew at andrew.tillett@afr.com
