Labor representatives fear backlash after it was revealed Anthony Albanese plans to parachute Andrew Charlton into the Federal seat of Parramatta.
Mr Charlton, Accenture Managing Director and former economics adviser to Kevin Rudd, is reportedly the Labor leader’s pick for the seat of Parramatta, frustrating local branch members.
It comes after Labor was criticised for parachuting in Kristina Keneally for the seat of Fowler, replacing local Vietnamese-Australian lawyer Tu Lee.
If Mr Charlton were to be selected he would beat out local solicitor Durga Owen and union lawyer Abha Devasia, two women who are from diverse backgrounds.
As an owner of a $16 million house in Sydney’s Bellevue Hill, many Labor locals fear that Mr Charlton won’t understand the needs of Parramatta’s residents.
City of Parramatta Councillor for the Dundas Ward Pierre Esber called it a disgrace.
“I know [Mr Charlton] went to school here as a kid but we’ve got plenty of good people locally who could run for the Labor seat,” Cr Esber said.
“Andrew has got a connection to Bellevue Hill, which is fine, but what’s his connection to Parramatta? The time has come where politics has to be local. It’s a slap in the face for the locals. If you can’t decide on the candidate let the rank and file decide.”
President of the Parramatta Federal Electorate Committee (FEC) James Shaw said he would be disappointed if branch members didn’t get a say in who the Parramatta candidate is.
“I have nothing personal against Andrew, but I strongly believe that branch members should choose the candidate for Parramatta, as per the rules,” Mr Shaw said.
Parramatta FEC issued a statement on Tuesday, March 22, calling for a rank and file ballot to be held immediately.
“The knowledge and understanding of our extraordinary diverse area and the dedication of local branch members has kept Labor in Parramatta,” the statement said.
“Local branch members know what is needed and giving them the opportunity to decide who our candidate will be is the best way of ensuring we win Parramatta and win government.”
When asked about Mr Charlton, Mr Albanese told the ABC he’s a great success story.
“He’s an outstanding contributor to public debate particularly in the area of economics,” Mr Albanese said.
“We’ll have those discussions and deliberations. It was hoped that a consensus candidate in Parramatta would emerge. Those discussions are ongoing.
“One of the great things about the Labor Party is that there are a lot of people who want to represent us.”
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.