Tasmanian Labor Party free from federal control but factional infighting and animosity continue

After more than 18 months the Tasmanian Labor Party is back in control with the end to national supervision. But it isn’t all plain sailing. Find out why in this exclusive report.

Labor leader Rebecca White speaks to the media at New Norfolk Police Station on Monday, January 22, 2024.

The Tasmanian branch of the Labor Party is no longer under the control of the national executive but a report points to continuing “factional intolerance and personal animosity”.

The six-page report by the administrators of the Tasmanian branch, former Senators Nick Sherry and Doug Cameron, and obtained by the Mercury says instability in the Liberal government meant an election could be called any time.

“As the appointed administrators of the branch, we are strongly of the view that it would be detrimental to fight a difficult campaign while the branch is in administration,” the report said.

“Whilst progress has been made as a result of the National Executive Intervention, ongoing conversations with the factions, affiliates, branches and members the development of positive and respectful personal relationships there remains a residue of factional intolerance, personal animosity and poor attitudes that is below what is to be expected of a branch that has a focus on winning elections.

“This will require oversight, mentoring and monitoring for some time.”

Labor national secretary and campaign director Paul Erickson. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

The ALP’s national executive met late on Friday afternoon to receive the final report of the administrators.

National secretary Paul Erickson said the national executive accepted the administrators’ recommendation “that their terms conclude, effective immediately”.

“The administrators’ final report outlined improvements to the governance, administration, rules, culture and campaign capacity of the Tasmanian branch which occurred under their stewardship,” he said.

“The National Executive is confident the Tasmanian Branch is well placed to govern and administer itself without the assistance of the administrators.”

Labor leader Rebecca White welcomed the end to the national administration which began in July 2022.

She said Tasmanian Labor’s role was “to continue to build a modern organisation that can help Labor win government”.

“This is why from today we begin a new phase of the relationship between the state and federal branch, which will see control placed squarely back in local hands,” Ms White said.

Tasmanian Labor Leader Rebecca White is looking to the future. Picture: Linda Higginson

“This is a major milestone for Labor, and delivers on my commitment to get our house in order.

“While Jeremy Rockliff’s government collapses around him, Labor is stronger than ever and ready to govern.”

The report covers a range of topics including rules, union policy, membership and finances.

“Finances are improved, with strong fundraising ensuring an adequate level of resourcing available for a state election campaign,” the administrators said.

It also canvases the decision by former Labor leader David O’Byrne to run as an independent in the seat of Franklin.

“This not unforeseen development complicates and diminishes our capacity to form a majority government,” they said.

The report urges the party to attract younger members.

“Membership numbers have been maintained with an aging membership particularly in the northern part of the state an ongoing challenge.

“Attracting and being relevant to a younger demographic is fundamental to the ongoing health, growth and attractiveness of the party.”

When the Tasmanian branch was placed in administration in 2022 Mr Erickson said it needed “a circuit-breaker to rebuild”.

It followed the 2021 election loss which saw Ms White step aside to be replaced by Mr O’Byrne who lasted two weeks before being accused of misconduct by a former female union colleague dating back to his time as union secretary in 2007, legal action by former president Ben McGregor and the resignation from parliament of former health spokesperson Dr Bastian Seidel.