Anthony Albanese requests ALP National Executive take over Parramatta preselection

Labor has ignored the demands of rank and file members to have a say on their candidate for Parramatta, in a move described as “discouraging” diversity in politics.

Labor has ignored demands from local members for a rank and file vote to select the party’s candidate in Parramatta after leader Anthony Albanese asked for preselection to be handed over to the National Executive.

The move paves the way for Andrew Charlton to be parachuted into the seat from Bellevue Hill.

Candidates can still nominate for preselection, but Labor sources believe a deal to install Mr Charlton has already been reached.

Mr Albanese wrote to NSW General Secretary Bob Nanva on Tuesday requesting that Labor’s National Executive take over the Parramatta preselection.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has requested the National Executive Picture: Justin Lloyd.

The request was made “given that the Federal election is due to be called in the coming weeks, and Labor needs a candidate in the field as soon as possible,” the letter said.

“I ask that the NSW Party Officers refer the preselection of the ALP candidate for

Parramatta to the ALP National Executive,” Mr Albanese wrote.

Former adviser to Kevin Rudd and adjunct Professor of Economics at Macquarie University, Andrew Charlton.

Since The Daily Telegraph revealed that Mr Charlton was being eyed as Labor’s Parramatta candidate, local party members have slammed the decision and reiterated calls for the preselection to be decided by a popular vote.

Mr Albanese has refused to say whether he has made a captain’s pick to install Mr Charlton over local candidates from diverse backgrounds, but praised the economist’s credentials on Wednesday.

“He’s a great success story. He’s someone who is an outstanding contributor to public debate, particularly in the area of economics,” Mr Albanese told the ABC.

However, union lawyer Abha Devasia, who had been touted as a potential candidate for the seat, said installing Mr Charlton as the candidate would discourage diversity in politics.

“It discourages young people from diverse backgrounds from being politically active because you can’t be what you can’t see,” Ms Devasia said.

“I think that’s the message that something like this sends.”

Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union lawyer Abha Devasia says parachuting Mr Charlton into the seat would discourage diverse candidates. Picture: Supplied

She said the lack of diversity in parliament “is a problem across all political parties and we just need to do better”.

Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee also criticised a decision to impose a candidate from Bellevue Hill on the federal electorate.

“I think it’s appalling that they’re parachuting someone in from outside the area,” he said.

Dr Lee said the people of Parramatta would be better served by a local.

Local Liberal party members will vote on their party’s candidate on Monday.

Former candidate Charles Camenzuli is believed to have the numbers to win the Liberal preselection plebiscite.

Originally published as Anthony Albanese requests ALP National Executive take over Parramatta preselection