Mid-June deadline in ALP leadership showdown

A video of Tasmanian Labor leadership prospect David O’Byrne has surfaced in which he uses an expletive to describe the Prime Minister — but he’s questioning the motives of those who are sharing it now, years later. LATEST >>

• David O’Byrne confident Labor will be elected to government at the next election
• Broad scathing as he announces tilt at top Labor job

A VIDEO of Tasmanian Labor leadership hopeful David O’Byrne has surfaced in which he uses an expletive to describe Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The video is believed to have been shot at a private function on the night of the May 2019 federal election.

“Today of all days, we accept we have lost this election, but the next election we know we will come together to win because this rubbish, this government, this Hodgman … f***ing Morrison government does not accept that we deserve better,’’ Mr O’Byrne said in the video while being cheered on by supporters.

David O'Byrne. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We deserve better. And I say to you, make this the day that you say no, no we do not accept this, and we will do everything we can to bring Labor back to government federally and at a state level to bring equity and equality to the community as we represent them.”

In a statement provided to the Mercury, Mr O’Byrne questioned the timing of the distribution of the video.

“Election nights are colourful and this election night was particularly disappointing for the Labor party,’’ he said.

“This was not a public event, and was posted briefly on a friend’s private Facebook account.

“Why it is being distributed now … is a question for those people now distributing it.”

Mr O’Byrne has nominated for the state Labor leadership after former leader Rebecca White stood down after the party’s May 1 election loss.

The selection of a new leader is currently subject to a party ballot process and is expected to be finalised next month.

Mid-June deadline in ALP leadership showdown

May 24, 1pm:

AROUND 1000 Tasmanian Labor members will be eligible to vote in the ballot for the party’s next leader, ALP state secretary Stuart Benson says.

David O’Byrne and Shane Broad are contesting the leadership after Rebecca White stood down following the party’s third successive election defeat.

Anita Dow was elected unopposed as deputy leader and will serve as acting leader until the ballot is resolved in mid-June, Mr Benson said.

Acting state Labor leader Anita Dow.

Mr Benson said the party’s Administrative Committee had agreed to guidelines on the conduct of the ballot and members had until June 15 to cast their votes either online or by mail.

“The vast majority of party members will be provided the opportunity to vote online in the privacy of their own home, using a secure online voting system,” Mr Benson said.

“Ballots will be overseen by the Party’s Returning officer of 25 years, Craig Lee.”

Mr Benson said the ballot will be conducted under rules agreed by the party in 2018.

“Eligible Party members and State Conference delegates will receive a vote. There will be around 1,000 Party members who will be eligible to vote,” he said.

Shane Broad and David O’Byrne are vying for the Labor leadership.

“This is a historic opportunity for participatory democracy within our party which has a proud history of giving members a voice in critical decision making.

“Party members will be able to engage directly with the leadership candidates and will also have the opportunity to engage in a statewide online forum to hear about each of the candidate’s positive plans for our Party.

“The ballot provides rank and file Party members with a genuine choice over the future of the party.”

Follow @DavidJKillick