Party rules say: Council stooges

By Noel Murphy
THE ALP has been caught red-handed ordering Labor candidates to act as stooges for fellow party members in Geelong’s council election.
A letter from ALP State secretary Noah Carroll to Labor hopefuls standing for City Hall orders them to give their preferences to other Labor Party member candidates ahead of anyone else. It also warns failure to do so will breach party rules.
The letter, leaked to the Independent by Labor associates, stresses any Labor candidates must distance themselves from the party and in no way give the impression they’re supported or endorsed by the ALP.
But Carroll demands candidates must direct preferences to “any and all other ALP members standing for the same vacancy’’.
Carroll cites Rule 12.3A.7 demanding the preferences and warns any failure to comply will be a breach of party rules.
Carroll’s letter tells ALP members considering council they will receive no financial assistance, cannot use the party’s logo or in any way “give the impression that they are an endorsed candidate or supported by the party’’.
“It is desirable that they make clear that they are running independent of the ALP,’’ the letter says.
The Labor stooge imperative says party members can make clear, proudly, that they are an ALP member but not lay claim to any support.
Former Geelong mayor Jim Fidge this week slammed the threat of possible stooge candidates, arguing voting should be first past the post rather than preferential.
Carroll’s letter to ALP members stipulates to members: “If you intend to nominate as a candidate in these elections, it is important that you note the following:
“ALP members contesting municipal vacancies where there are no Party endorsed or supported candidates must note their requirements of Rule 12.3A.7: ‘shall be required to direct preferences to any and all other ALP members standing for the same vacancy before any other candidate’ unless a waiver is sought from the Administrative Committee.”
Carroll told the Independent he saw nothing wrong with party members supporting fellow members and that it was in line with previous practice.
The State Liberal Party executive did not respond to phone or email requests for details of its requirements of party members standing for council.
Concern about stooge candidates arose at the 2008 council election after mayor John Mitchell’s two opponents in Austin ward withdrew after nominations closed.
CFMEU organiser Gerard Benstead and Whittington’s Colleen Gibbs pulled out of the 2008 election less than a day after nominations closed. Both professed to doubts about their chances of success.