Rebecca White returns as leader of Tasmania’s Labor party
Rebecca White has returned as leader of the Labor party after a meeting of MPs in Hobart’s parliament house this morning. LATEST >>
Tasmania
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REBECCA White has returned unopposed as the leader of the Tasmanian Labor Party.
Just ten days after giving birth to her second child Hudson, Ms White was unanimously endorsed by a meeting of Labor MPs in Hobart on Wednesday.
Ms White, along with Deputy leader Anita Dow, emerged from opposition office in Parliament House just before noon to confirm her comeback.
She said she was thrilled to receive the support of her colleagues and called from an end to the instability that has plagued the opposition in recent months.
“It’s been a very strange few weeks but I’m really excited to announce that I’ve been elected unopposed as the Labor Party leader with Anita Dow as the deputy leader with the full support of our caucus colleagues and a really clear commitment to make sure that we really rebuild the trust of the Tasmanian Labor Party and rebuild the confidence of the Tasmanian community in the Tasmanian Labor Party right across the state,” she told reporters.
“I just want to acknowledge that the last few weeks have been incredibly difficult for the Labor Party, but today is a full stop.
“From today, we are working together, united in purpose to make sure that we represent our electorates and represent the Tasmanian community and hold the Liberal government to account to the best of our ability.”
Wednesday’s meeting was called after newly-installed leader David O’Byrne signalled his intention to quit after being accused of misconduct while a union leader 14 years ago.
Mr O’Byrne entered the meeting without speaking to the media.
Ms White called on destabilising elements within the party to desist.
“There is a very clear view around our table that we want to be able to work together now, that’s today’s a full stop, that the backgrounding in the media, the stories that we’ve been hearing have to end,” she said.
“It has been incredibly detrimental to the labour movement and it’s been incredibly detrimental to the Tasman community.
“They haven’t had a good opposition, and we need to have a strong opposition to hold the government to account.”
Ms White said she would not comment on David O’Byrne’s future while an investigation was underway, other than saying that the steps he had taken were appropriate.
“I know that David’s very focused on supporting his electorate of Franklin, and he’ll be working hard to make sure that they can maintain confidence and trust in him and he’s demonstrated that every day over his many years of service.
“So there’s no doubt that David will be doing a lot of soul searching at this time but it’s also really important to note that there is an investigation underway, and that does need to be allowed time to follow due process before a conclusion is reached.”
Ms White said she would remain on parental leave until mid-August but would be reshuffling the shadow cabinet.
“There is a saying that if you want something done, ask a busy person. I think that applies in this instance. I will be making some further announcements about portfolio allocations and whilst I will be continuing to have some parental leave, I’ll be doing some work from home.
“I’ll be dedicating the next few weeks to my family, as I hope people can understand while Anita acts as the leader of the Labor Party. But that doesn’t mean that things will wait until the 16th of August before we start to see some change. I’m getting down to work straight away.
Premier Peter Gutwein described Ms White as “Labor’s last resort leader”.
“Labor’s desperate decision to re-endorse their failed former leader Rebecca White is a damning indictment of their lack of talent, leadership, and vision for Tasmania.
“In her four years as leader, Ms White has offered no policies or plan for our state and ran a series of dishonest scare campaigns at the last election that saw Labor’s vote go backwards in every single electorate, plummeting to a disastrous 28 per cent statewide.
“It is clear that another deal has been struck by the hard-left factional powerbrokers to re-install Ms White who had previously been forced to vacate the field and publicly endorse David O’Byrne for the leadership — the same powerbrokers that have worked to keep Dr Broad out of the leadership team as payback for his public comments about the toxic divisions in the Party.
“It is simply inconceivable that Labor have no other options, and it speaks volumes that less than two months after dumping Ms White as leader, the Labor caucus has come crawling back and re-endorsed her.”
EARLIER
FORMER Labor leader Rebecca White has arrived at parliament house for a meeting to determine who will take over the party’s leadership from David O’Byrne.
Ms White was driven into parliament’s underground car park by her partner after giving birth to her second child two weeks ago.
Although grinning broadly she did not pause to comment to media.
David O’Byrne is expected to tender his resignation at this morning’s meeting after misconduct allegations dating back to 2007.
He arrived 10 minutes ahead of the meeting and also made no comment to media.
Labor to select a new leader for the second time in six weeks
LABOR MPs will meet in Hobart on Wednesday to begin the process of electing a new leader for the second time in six weeks.
David O’Byrne will formally tender his resignation at a meeting of Parliamentary Labor Party members, expected to start 10am.
MPs will then begin the process of electing a new leader.
Mr O’Byrne announced his intention to quit on Sunday after apologising for his actions towards a young colleague when he was a union official in 2007.
He admitted subjecting the woman to an unwelcome kiss and text messages and has apologised.
A Labor party investigaiton into a complaint from the woman is underway.
No aspirant has publicly declared their intention to nominate for the leader’s job, although there is strong backing for former leader Rebecca White to make return to the job.
Ms White quit on May 14, Mr O’Byrne and Shane Broad nominated on May 24, Mr O’Byrne was declared elected on June 15. Mrs White gave birth to her second child, Hudson, on June 25.
It is uncertain how long it will take to determine the leadership.
If there is only one nomination, it is likely to be decided before the meeting is over.
In the event of a contest, Labor Party rules usually require that both MPs and rank and file members get a say.
But with the budget session of parliament looming, the party will want a resolution sooner rather than later.
There is provision in the rules applying to the election of a leader in Opposition, which allowed the party’s Administrative Committee to use a different process.
Should two or more candidates nominate, it is possible that the outcome could be decided by a vote of MPs.
But even that process could take several days.
The party’s acting leader, Anita Dow holds the deputy leader’s role, which is not up for grabs.
An opt-in online survey completed by more than 1,000 Mercury readers showed strong support for Ms White’s return.
She received support from 37 per cent of those who voted, followed by Labor newcomer Dean Winter on 32 per cent.
Shane Broad received 17 per cent of the vote, Ella Haddad seven per cent and Michelle O’Byrne two per cent.
Acting leader Anita Dow received five per cent of the vote.
Party insiders say White’s return to Labor leadership likely
REBECCA White has emerged as Labor’s likely next leader.
Insiders say MPs will back Ms White’s return at Wednesday’s party meeting after the resignation of David O’Byrne.
But Ms White’s comeback just two months after leaving the top job is not yet locked in with absolute certainty — she has not yet indicated whether she is willing to take the job, or on what terms.
Mr O’Byrne will formally hand in his resignation at Wednesday’s meeting and nominations will be called for his successor.
Anita Dow’s position as deputy leader is not up for election.
The party is keen to resolve the matter without another protracted ballot of members by finding a consensus candidate who will stand unopposed and unite the party.
After the May 1 state election loss, Ms White indicated she was keen to stay on as leader, but stood aside two weeks later.
Mr O’Byrne and Shane Broad contested a leadership ballot which opened on May 24 and was decided on June 15.
Under Labor rules, the Administrate Committee has the right to step in and allow the leadership to be determined by a vote of MPs rather than a full ballot of members.
The scenario is considered most likely if Ms White is opposed by a candidate with minority support among MPs and no realistic chance of winning a wider ballot.
The 38-year-old is on maternity leave until August 16 after the birth of her second child.
Parliament returns on August 24 and the state budget is handed down two days later.
Mr O’Byrne announced his intention to quit on Sunday after misconduct allegations emerged relating to his time as a union leader in 2007.
He admitted subjecting a young union colleague to an unsolicited kiss and text messages.
An investigation is underway into a complaint from the woman.
Acting leader Anita Dow on Monday said the party there would be no public discussion of the investigation.
“In relation to the circumstances surrounding Mr O’Byrne’s decision to resign as Leader, I will not be providing comment on the complaint, both out of respect for the privacy of the complainant and the confidentiality requirements of the process,” she said.
“Running political commentary on individual complaints does nothing to provide confidence in the Labor Party’s established processes, under which such matters are dealt with.”
Ms Dow said the party had supported the complainant and would continue to do so.
“The Tasmanian Labor Party has a proud history of supporting women within our party, within the parliament and our community at large and I and my colleagues remain committed to continuing this important work.
“I would like to put on the record the party’s support for the complainant and acknowledge her bravery in coming forward.
“It is critical that all women feel empowered and supported to speak up.”
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