Next move: Former Labor leader David O’Byrne makes big call on his political future

REVEALED: former union and Labor leader David O’Byrne reaches a decision on his political future, which could have far reaching ramifications with an early election looming.

David O’Byrne at Kangaroo Bay. Picture: Linda Higginson

Former Labor leader David O’Byrne has quit the Labor Party and will run as an independent at the next state election.

He thanked the party and labour movement for their support and friendship over the past 30 years.

“It has been a very difficult decision,” Mr O’Byrne told the Sunday Tasmanian.

“I am from a strong Labor family, my late mother was a life member and I still believe in the traditional Labor values of looking after people and making decisions that provide better futures and greater opportunities for everyone in our community.

“I have, in effect, been operating as an independent in the parliament for the last few years.

“I believe that in an expanded parliament, and a likely hung parliament, I can use my experience and position to fight for the better outcomes our community deserves.”

L-R Vica Bayley Greens member for Clark, Doctor Rosalie Woodruff Greens leader, David O'Byrne member for Franklin, Lara Alexander Independent member for Bass. Tasmanian parliament re-called. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr O’Byrne said it would be challenging to run as an independent without party backing but he was hopeful he would have support.

“A lot of people have asked me to run, so I hope there’s a bit of support there but I’ve just got to keep working hard,” he said.

“I’m not under-estimating the challenge ahead, it’s always difficult for independents to get elected.”

Labor’s special branch committee was divided on whether he should be endorsed to run in the seat of Franklin but the party’s national executive rejected his nomination after Labor leader Rebecca White wrote recommending other candidates.

In 2021 Mr O’Byrne stepped down as Labor leader after just two weeks when he was accused of misconduct by a former female union colleague dating back to his time as union secretary in 2007. A report cleared him of sexual harassment and found he had not breached any Labor Party rules.

Despite sitting on the crossbench for nearly three years, he maintained his Labor Party membership and has not voted against Labor in parliament.

Under Labor Party rules he faced expulsion if he ran against party members.

David O’Byrne has a long history of being in the Labor Party alongside his family, including in 2001 at a party in Launceston during the Federal Election in 2001 alongside his sister Michelle O'Byrne, Labor for Bass, and his brother Michael.

Mr O’Byrne joined the ALP in 1994 and said he had written to the Tasmanian branch to resign his membership.

“I will run as an Independent because the state Liberal government is failing Tasmania and failing those who rely on core government services such as health, housing, education and public transport,” he said.

“I believe I can play a role in the next parliament to not only raise the important issues, but also create positive change.

“My vision for Tasmania is a state with a strong and vibrant economy, with growing businesses that deliver good jobs, effective government services, happy and healthy people, and greater opportunities for all.”

Mr O’Byrne, who was on Tuesday re-elected as president of the Southern Football League and backs the proposed stadium at Macquarie Point, said he wanted to see Tasmania “embrace economic opportunities, not squander them”.

“I want to see the next parliament actually deliver the facilities our state needs to set up an AFL and AFLW team for success, finally realising the dream that so many of us have held for so long,” he said.

“My political future is now in the hands of the people of Franklin.

“I am really excited about the future and continuing my work and gaining the support and trust of the people of Franklin as an independent.”