Fed: Wrangling over NSW preselection threatens federal ALP

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2000
Fed: Wrangling over NSW preselection threatens federal ALP

Internal wrangling over an ALP pre-selection ballot on the New South Wales central
coast threatens to drag in federal Labor, which is already reeling from electoral rorts
allegations in Queensland.

Librarian TRISH MORAN was stripped of her pre-selection for the central coast seat
of Robertson after favoured candidate BELINDA NEAL claimed voting irregularities.

Ms MORAN won the pre-selection by two votes, 87 to 85.

But an ALP head office committee has upheld Ms NEAL'S complaint, meaning a new ballot
will be held.

Ms MORAN has told the ABC she won the count fairly and squarely after eight months
of doorknocking and visiting branches.

She says she fears being edged out in favour of Ms NEAL -- the partner of NSW powerbroker
and Special Minister of State JOHN DELLA BOSCA -- and has vowed to appeal to federal Labor
if neccessary.

But Ms NEAL says her marriage to Mr DELLA BOSCA is unimportant, and says anyone in
the ALP is entitled to a fair ballot.

Federal Opposition Leader KIM BEAZLEY has warned the party's national executive that
it may face legal action if it allows Mr DELLA BOSCA'S position to influence its decision.

AAP RTV rft/jtb/jx/rt

KEYWORD: NEAL (CANBERRA)

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