Victorian Labor administrators write to national executive about race for Jenny Mikakos seat
Tensions are rising over the race to fill former minister Jenny Mikakos’ seat in parliament, with decision makers urged to consider the Labor party’s rules for equal female representation.
Victoria
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Tensions are rising over the race to replace Jenny Mikakos in parliament, with Victorian Labor’s writing to the party’s national executive reminding them about rules for equal female representation at coming elections.
The move comes as Mat Hilakari, the convener of Premier Daniel Andrews’ Socialist Left faction, continues to jostle for the position along with five other female candidates.
The decision over who will take Ms Mikakos’ spot in the Legislative Council will be discussed by the national executive on Thursday, with the party’s Victorian wing still being audited over allegations of branch stacking.
But Victorian Labor, writing on behalf of its administrators, has also written to the body advising them of the risk of breaching their affirmative action rules if a man is appointed to the job.
Senior figures within the party have argued this week that five of Labor’s female upper house MPs are sitting in seats considered marginal, creating the potential for a drop to 25 per cent representation at the next election.
It’s understood Mr Andrews is broadly supportive of Mr Hilakari taking the role but has declined to comment publicly on his preference.
Emily’s List, a group within Labor supporting the careers of female politicians, has also called for the position to be filled by a woman.
AFL executive Sheena Watt and staffer Prue Stewart are among those believed to be in contention amid a push within the party to appoint an Indigenous woman to the parliament.
Ms Stewart is not understood to be a party member and this would need to be resolved with special dispensation to allow her take the seat.
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