Labor preselects former NSW MP Diane Beamer for Emma Husar’s seat of Lindsay

Labor is putting its Emma Husar days behind it, preselecting former NSW minister Diane Beamer to replace the spurned incumbent MP in the seat of Lindsay. READ HUSAR’S STATEMENT

• Bill Shorten does not want Husar to recontest
• Husar threatens to run as an independent

Labor has preselected former NSW minister Diane Beamer for the seat of Lindsay to replace the spurned incumbent MP Emma Husar.

Ms Husar described the decision as “disappointing” and a statement appeared to suggest she would not recontest the western Sydney seat as an independent. “It remains a privilege to continue to represent these amazing people until the next election,” Ms Husar said.

“I hope whomever comes after me has fewer mountains to climb.” Ms Beamer was the only nomination in a ballot which had been handed to the party’s national executive to conduct.

Member for Lindsay Emma Husar was disendorsed last week by Labor officials. Picture: Mick Tsikas

MORE NEWS

Howard: ‘Slashing migrant intake is not racist’

Fortnite streamer: ‘It won’t happen again’

Fiancee stands by Walker, rejects assault claim

Ms Husar has spent the past few months fighting accusations she bullied staff and last week she announced plans for defamation proceedings against the media outlet Buzzfeed.

In August, an independent investigation found she subjected staff to “unreasonable communication, demands, practices and disciplinary methods”. However, the investigation did not support staff claims of sexual harassment or lewd behaviour.

Ms Husar said the decision by NSW Labor to withdraw its endorsement of her as the candidate for Lindsay had not been properly explained.

Diane Beamer pictured in 2010 when she held the NSW seat of Mulgoa.

“I wasn’t asked or given any opportunity to make any representations. This was all done behind closed doors,” she said.

“This brings me deep sadness, as this is a party capable of great things. It’s clear now that for whatever reason, I’m not to be a part of it post-May.”

Ms Beamer was a state government minister and the member for the seats of Badgerys Creek and Mulgoa from 1995 to 2011.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT FROM EMMA HUSAR

I remain disappointed by the decision of the NSW ALP on Friday, which has still not been explained to me. The rationale should be provided under party rules. I wasn’t asked or given any opportunity to make any representations. This was all done behind closed doors.

The nomination process was open for precisely 24 hours between yesterday and today. The moves since Friday have been swift and decisive, and have effectively left me a Labor outsider. This brings me deep sadness, as this is a party capable of great things. It’s clear now that for whatever reason, I’m not to be a part of it post-May.

Apart from my children, my greatest joy has been to represent my community in Lindsay for Labor and advocating for those who need it. It remains a privilege to continue to represent these amazing people until the next election. I hope whomever comes after me has fewer mountains to climb.