Dean Winter’s backing for unionist Jessica Munday over ‘disloyalty’ complaint sparks Labor internal strife

Tasmania’s new Labor leader Dean Winter has triggered internal party unrest by personally intervening to help save the state’s ‘hard left’ union chief from expulsion.

Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter has intervened to help save Tasmania’s hard left union chief from an expulsion push. Picture: David Killick

Tasmania’s new Labor leader, Dean Winter, has triggered internal party unrest by personally intervening to help save a “hard-left” union chief from ­expulsion.

Unions Tasmania secretary Jessica Munday faced potential expulsion for allegedly breaching party rules, after The Australian revealed during the state election that she had an independent candidate’s poster in her yard but none for Labor.

Her actions – viewed by some as supporting Labor-turned-­independent David O’Byrne in the electorate of Franklin – were labelled a “blatant” breach of party rules by angry members.

The Australian can reveal a formal complaint was received for investigation by Labor’s Disputes Tribunal – former judge and MP Duncan Kerr, former deputy premier Peter Patmore and former senator Lin Thorp.

Mr Winter, a right faction member long bitterly opposed by the hard left, wrote a letter of support for Ms Munday, arguing that while her actions were “not ideal”, the union boss “did not campaign against the party”.

“I know Ms Munday was supporting the Labor Party at the 2024 election because I saw her doing it,” Mr Winter wrote in a letter, obtained by The Australian. “I have been very pleased with the support offered to me by Ms Munday and since I became leader.

“We are working well together towards a Labor victory and I look forward to that continuing.”

The tribunal took evidence on July 8, considering Mr Winter’s letter as well as a statutory declaration by Ms Munday’s husband, Scott Munday, that it was he – and not his wife – who decided to host Mr O’Byrne’s poster.

It dismissed the complaint but rejected Ms Munday’s submission it should have rejected it as “baseless”, noting that “many members of the party may well have jumped to the same conclusion” as the complainant.

Some party members are furious at Mr Winter’s decision to “intervene” in Ms Munday’s favour, saying members of the right faction and the “moderate left” felt betrayed.

“He has successfully divided those who would normally support him and helped him get to where he is,” a source said.

“The moderate left and hard left are bracing for a civil war.”

Others said Mr Winter was wise to help avoid Ms Munday’s expulsion, given it would likely have led to factional warfare, while playing down the role his letter played in the dismissal of the complaint.

Mr Winter said he was uniting the party and the labour movement. “I’m bringing this party together,” he told The Australian.

“Under my leadership, Labor stands for safe, secure and well-paid jobs for Tasmanians. Working closely with the entire labour movement is the best way to make that a reality.

“That relationship is already delivering … My focus is firmly on jobs and winning the next election, and I won’t let anything get in the way of that.”

Ms Munday was “pleased with the outcome … I am grateful to have Dean Winter’s support and look forward to continuing to work productively with him.”

“I encourage party members to take this opportunity to leave the turmoil of recent years behind and move forward, united,” she said.

The complainant alleged Ms Munday rejected approaches to host a sign for a Labor candidate. While finding there was “no small force” in the argument, and noting Ms Munday “did not proffer an explanation” for refusing a Labor poster, the tribunal ruled it was “her right” to do so.