ALP machine dumps MPs

ALP machine dumps MPs

BY STAN THOMPSON

ADELAIDE — South Australian ALP delegates have dumped three members of parliament during a special Easter convention to pre-select candidates for the next state and federal elections. Former deputy state opposition leader Ralph Clarke, former party state secretary Senator Chris Schacht and party whip Murray Delaine all failed to win party endorsement.

State opposition leader Mike Rann has described the ALP team as the "best team in years" and has refused to apologise for his former deputy's loss, the result of moves by South Australia's dominant left and right factions, together known as the "machine". The machine has neutralised the centre-left faction, of which Clarke and Schacht were members.

Schacht was demoted to the third spot on Labor's Senate ticket — with the strong showing of the Australian Democrats, this is virtually an unwinnable spot. Well-known activist Penny Wong secured the top spot and transferred her over-quota votes away from Schacht to ensure his defeat.

Clarke's loss follows his very public victory in the Supreme Court against alleged branch stacking, which forced a change in ALP rules and a stronger showing for Clarke at the convention. ALP insiders claim that his court action isolated many of his traditional supporters.

Schacht and Delaine were also very outspoken against branch stacking. The Whyalla-based state member for Giles, Lyn Breuer, has claimed that Schacht's dumping was punishment for speaking out.

From GLW issue 403