By NOEL MURPHY
CORIO MP Richard Marles brought alternative Labor leader Anthony Albanese to Geelong yesterday as long-time political running mate and would-be prime minister Bill Shorten made national headlines over union deals with employers.
Mr Albanese, transport and infrastructure shadow minister, met lobby group Committee for Geelong but snubbed Mayor Darryn Lyons.
Mr Marles tweeted about the region’s “enormous potential for growth” and the need for investment in local infrastructure, also posting photos with Mr Albanese.
But Mr Marles would not respond to Independent questions about the beleaguered Mr Shorten, including whether he still supported him as Labor leader.
Mr Marles also declined to say whether Mr Shorten should front the Royal Commission into Union Corruption over reports the Australian Workers Union invoiced employers for staff subscriptions while he was the union’s leader.
Mr Marles’ spokesperson, Lidja Ivanovski, issued a terse statement, saying only: “We don’t intend to provide a running commentary on the Abbott Government’s royal commission”.
The response echoed Mr Shorten’s rote “running commentary” reply to media queries this week about the royal commission.
Cr Lyons expressed disappointment at another snub by Labor, which fears he could run for the Liberals against Mr Marles in Corio.
“I like Albo, we’ve had great meetings in Canberra,” Cr Lyons said.
“He listened, understood and he knew tremendous amount of facts about our area .
“It’s disappointing. Not one officer at City Hall knew about this (his visit).
“I’m shocked and saddened that Mr Albanese didn’t have time to come and see the mayor, who is the most-informed person across the community on the infrastructure needed in Geelong.
Cr Lyons described Mr Albanese as “one of the best in the opposition”.
“It’s upsetting we don’t get the decency from our federal member to bring him to City Hall.”
Cr Lyons said Mr Marles had not spoken to him “in months” but he had “no idea why”.
“I’ve still got his Christmas card but he doesn’t really engage with the mayor.”
Cr Lyons said he had no plans to stand for Corio but was unable to predict what the future might hold.
Geelong’s other federal MP, Corangamite MHR Sarah Henderson, meanwhile lashed out at Mr Marles and Surf Coast Shire councillor and former mayor Libby Coker, now Labor’s Corangamite candidate, who accompanied Mr Albanese on his Geelong visit.
“The member for Corio and the Labor candidate for Corangamite must explain whether they support these dodgy union deals,” she said.
“They must also explain whether they will support measures to improve the integrity of unions such as bringing back the Australian Building and Construction Commission.”
