Party president denies claims of dirty tricks as high profile figures consider tilt at top position
AN internal row has broken out within the CLP amid a push to replace incumbent Senator Sam McMahon
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AN internal row has broken out within the CLP amid a push to replace incumbent Senator Sam McMahon.
Several high-profile party figures are considering a run at the number-one position on the CLP’s Senate ticket ahead of the next federal election, including Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan and Darwin businesswoman Linda Fazldeen.
But the party has split on geographical lines with some Darwin members claiming dirty tricks from the Alice Springs branches in a bid to get their preferred candidate over the line – a claim party president Jamie di Brenni strenuously denies.
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Darwin members were upset after they were told some Top End branches might not be allowed a vote at preselection due to outstanding fees.
One party member, Rohan Kelly, has already resigned in protest.
In his resignation letter – leaked to Sky News – he claimed there was a lack of leadership within the party.
“Instead we have seen self-interest and thirst for power and control dominate at the expense of our members, the Party and the Territory,” he wrote.
“There are too many people who demand respect, expect power and use division, slander, lies and personal attacks to maintain control.”
But Mr di Brenni said there was no plan to exclude any branches from the preselection process.
“It’s all hysteria by hearsay,” he said.
“It’s a real Darwin fantasy. We haven’t even set a motion of any sort.
“They’re getting as bad as a mob of greenies mate. It’s all bull****.
“If people put as much energy into volunteering as they do into hysteria and hearsay we’d be an amazing organisation.”
Sources close to Ms Fazldeen indicated she would run for the Senate position, while Mr Ryan refused to rule out a tilt at the coveted job.
“I’m not interested in getting involved in this discussion at the moment,” he said.
“You look at every opportunity that comes along. Let’s wait and see when an opportunity arises.”
Mr di Brenni said he expected the party would preselect its Senate candidates in June or July.
Senator McMahon came through the middle to win the number-one Senate position in 2019 after the Darwin and Alice Springs branches preferenced against one another’s preferred candidates.
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The incumbent Senator said she would welcome any challenge in preselection and was confident the process would be fair and transparent.
“I am concentrating on doing my job and achieving the best possible outcomes for the people of the Northern Territory,” she said.
“I have worked tirelessly since being elected and have numerous key achievements including retaining two seats for the NT lower house, seasonal workers for the mango industry, the decision not to appeal the live cattle export decision and NAIF funding for the ship lift.”
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