ALP blocks preselection of Tasmania ex-leader David O’Byrne over harassment claims

David O’Byrne’s preselection was denied by the ALP national executive in a win for Tasmania opposition leader Rebecca White, however, it’s a move that risks fresh internal dissent.

David O'Byrne is thought likely to stand as a ‘Labor independent’, and on Friday hinted at this, without confirming it.

Labor’s national executive has blocked the preselection of former Tasmanian leader David O’Byrne, in a win for leader Rebecca White that risks fresh internal dissent.

The move on Friday solidifies the leadership of Ms White, who has called on Mr O’Byrne to quit parliament altogether in the wake of historic sexual harassment claims.

However, the nobbling of Mr O’Byrne has angered sections of the party’s Left loyal to the former unionist and who had wanted to see him brought back from the cold.

Mr O’Byrne, 54, was banished to the crossbench in July 2021, after resigning as leader in the wake of the harassment claims dating to his time as a union leader in 2007-08.

He apologised for kissing and sending “sexually suggestive” text messages to a young, female probationary staff member.

A Labor-commissioned report found his conduct was “inappropriate” and “wrong” but did not breach party sexual harassment policy.

Mr O’Byrne sought preselection for his southern seat of Franklin at the coming state election, due in early 2025, and hoped the process would lead to his return to the party fold.

However, last week a state-based special administrative committee was unable to reach consensus on his preselection, with Ms White against but others – including leading party figures Carol Brown, Ross Hart and administrator Doug Cameron – said to be in favour.

Opposition leader Rebecca White was against David O’Byrne’s preselection.

The deadlock prompted the national executive’s involvement and on Friday it opted to deny Mr O’Byrne’s preselection, given the report findings and Ms White’s staunch opposition, which is backed by others in caucus.

“This is devastating news for me,” Mr O’Byrne said in a statement. “I have been a loyal Labor supporter for my entire life and member for close to 30 years.

“While I acknowledge that my candidature does not come with a clean slate, I had hoped that my years of commitment to the party and hard work in the community would balance the scales.

“This combined with the electoral success over a number of elections would give me a chance to again be part of the parliamentary Labor team and contribute to the campaign to return Labor to Government.”

He said he had “never presented myself as the perfect person”. “I have made mistakes and I have owned them, but I have never given up and walked away from the work to which I am deeply committed,” he said.

Mr O’Byrne, who has remained a passionate Labor member despite his ejection from caucus, is thought likely to stand as a “Labor independent”, and on Friday hinted at this, without confirming it.

“I believe I have the trust of the people of Franklin and believe I can assist Labor in Tasmania as not only a good local member but also an experienced parliamentarian and former minister,” he said. “I will now take some time to consider my future.”

Views were divided on the decision, with some members backing the national executive for “doing what’s right” in taking a “zero tolerance” approach to allegations of sexual harassment.

However, some rank and file and senior figures were disappointed, believing Mr O’Byrne could have been an asset to Labor’s Franklin ticket and its post-election team, and had “done his time”.

Some feel Ms White’s leadership was not worth saving, given the latest EMRS opinion poll this week showing Labor’s fortunes sliding despite a horror period for the Liberal minority government.