Gibbs to stand down in ALP deal

Tuesday, October 3, 1995 - 10:00

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE — Senior Queensland government minister Bob Gibbs will stand down as state Labor Party president, probably next year, in a deal brokered by Premier Wayne Goss, as part of a move to quiet factional conflict in the party following the ALP's disastrous state election campaign in July. The deal also involves party conferences being held annually instead of every three years. The move for Gibbs to stand down is a response to rank-and-file ALP members who criticised his dual responsibilities as party president and minister.

Party members have reportedly slammed the premier and other ALP leaders in special party meetings held across the state in the past month. The 17 meetings are part of an inquiry being run by former federal ALP president Mick Young to analyse Labor's poor performance in the state election.

Strong criticisms have been expressed of the Goss leadership style and the authoritarian internal practices of the party hierarchy.

From GLW issue 205