Embattled NSW Liberals forced into federal takeover
Federal Liberals have mounted an extraordinary takeover of the embattled NSW division, requesting two Victorians take charge in the lead-up to the federal election
Former Victorian senator Richard Alston and former Victorian treasurer Alan Stockdale are expected to join former senior NSW minister Rob Stokes in running the party’s affairs for the next 10 months.
It follows an urgent review by the party’s former federal director Brian Loughnane after deep-seated factional rifts that have beset the party in recent years.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The final straw was a failure in August to nominate more than 140 candidates for the statewide local government elections on September 14.
Those left off ballots include sitting councillors in party heartland including Sydney’s northern beaches, where Tony Abbott and Bronwyn Bishop enjoyed long reigns as federal MPs.
Former long-time NSW state director Chris Stone will rejoin the party in a temporary role following the sacking of state director Richard Shields.
One NSW Liberal MP, speaking to AAP on the condition of anonymity, described the inclusion of Mr Stokes on the proposed committee as a “massive surprise”.
The party’s federal executive, which met on Tuesday afternoon, recommended the three-person committee be put in place by next Thursday.
“We owe it to our thousands of members in the state to address the challenges within the organisational wing of the NSW division,” the party said in a statement.
“More importantly, we owe it to the millions of Australians who are relying on the Liberal Party to return Australia to good government after the next election to get our house in order.”
NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman welcomed the return of the veteran party director Mr Stone, who oversaw three federal and two state campaigns before resigning in 2023.
But Mr Speakman called for an experienced woman to also be appointed to the committee.
“Views may differ on the scope and purpose of the committee, but what is more important is that all Liberals unite to defeat the Albanese Labor Government and the Minns Labor Government,” he said in a statement.
Tuesday’s move follows reports into the 2022 federal and 2023 state elections identifying concerns about internal party structures including the state executive and deep frustration in its ability to make timely and necessary decisions.
