State unions to launch legal action against ALP’s federal intervention into Victorian branch-stacking scandal
Solicitors representing some of the state’s biggest unions are preparing to launch legal action against the ALP’s federal intervention into the Victorian branch-stacking scandal, saying the move is “undemocratic”.
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Some of the state’s largest unions are preparing to file legal action against the Labor Party over its federal handling of the Adem Somyurek branch-stacking scandal.
The CFMEU VIC/TAS branch, Maritime Union of Australia, Health Workers Union, Australian Rail Tram and Bus Industry Union and Plumbers Union claim the ALP’s federal intervention into the Victorian branch is “undemocratic” and “not Australian”.
Labor’s national executive appointed Steve Bracks and Jenny Macklin as administrators of the Victorian branch, suspending all state committees as the party grapples with the fallout of the Somyurek branch-stacking saga.
The federal-led intervention is also expected to include suspending all voting rights in the Victorian branch until at least 2023, with preselections for the next state and federal elections conducted by the ALP national executive.
CFMEU vice-president Rob Graauwmans said the move barred state unions from participating in the democratic process until 2023.
“While we agree with Premier Andrews’ swift action and support the cleaning up of the party, we fail to understand a three-year process,” he said.
“Members and unions pay millions of dollars supporting the party and are entitled to their democratic rights.
“This isn’t a one-party state. Unnecessarily removing democratic votes from members is just not Australian.”
Mr Graauwmans said there was no reason to “unnecessarily” remove the democratic rights of innocent, hardworking Australians.
“It would be embarrassing if it took three years to clean up the party considering the number of branch members,” he said.
The Victorian Labor Party is firm in its stance.
“That‘s a matter for them,” a government spokesperson said.
“The Premier established this process to build a better Labor Party, with a stronger voice for genuine, rank-and-file members.”
Mr Andrews has acknowledged the branch-stacking scandal exposed in his party would result in a restructure of the Victorian branch.
The Premier told reporters the response to the revelations would involve the party’s national executive “being involved in delivering a restructure and then it will be for us here in Victoria to get on and make the reform that is very, very important”.
Originally published as State unions to launch legal action against ALP’s federal intervention into Victorian branch-stacking scandal