Right takes Young Labor

Wednesday, September 16, 1992 - 10:00

Right takes Young Labor

SYDNEY — In elections for NSW Young Labor on September 6, for the first time in 20 years the right factions won the positions of state president and state secretary.

The left immediately cried foul and announced it would appeal the decision. Stories of stacking and dirty tricks quickly appeared.

There is a fear among many in the left that the right's victory will mean the end of Young Labor as a voice of dissent in the ALP. Incoming president Reba Meagher stated that she intends to move Young Labor away from the "fringes" and back into the party mainstream.

It could go even further. Senior right figures have never hidden their dislike of Young Labor, which has traditionally been a left stronghold. This latest victory could encourage it to get rid of the organisation.

From GLW issue 71