'WA Labor a national disgrace'
Former Rudd and Gillard government minister and Labor elder Martin Ferguson has labelled the party’s WA branch a “national disgrace” after its state executive passed a motion to have him expelled from the party.
The motion, which originated with Labor’s Maritime Branch and was moved by MUA state secretary Christie Cain, said Mr Ferguson had broken party rules by taking a job with the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association within 18 months of finishing as Federal resources minister.
It comes amid a tit-for-tat public battle of words between Mr Ferguson and the WA MUA, which he labelled a “rogue union” for its tactics to win pay rises in resources industry.
The motion was seconded by the secretary of WA Labor’s largest affiliate union, United Voice’s Carolyn Smith, who labelled Mr Ferguson’s recent criticisms of the union movement a “betrayal”.
The West Australian understands the motion was not debated at the meeting on Monday night and was passed by delegates unopposed.
“I don’t think he’s going to lose any sleep about it knowing the person he is,” Mr Cain said of Mr Ferguson.
“He’s with his right whack now, his right people – the bosses, the employers. I’m happy for that.
“There’s a new Labor movement out there and it’s a Labor movement for working class people, working class values and Labor values.”
Mr Ferguson said he had no intention of being “intimidated by the likes of Chris Cain”, adding he would continue to speak out.
“The WA branch of the Labor Party is a national disgrace that should instead be debating why at the recent Senate half-election it could return only one of six Senators, thereby letting down working people not only in WA but Australia-wide, because of the narrow based union control of the party in WA,” Mr Ferguson said.
“It’s about time the broader Labor Party and the trade union movement held the MUA to account, the men who are seeking to hold the iron ore industry in Port Hedland and the oil and gas industry to ransom is a disgrace, endangering investment in Australia and jobs for the children and grandchildren of the current well-paid generation of well-paid members.
“It’s about time the WA branch had a real debate about its performance and the fact it is an embarrassment to the Labor Party Australia-wide, election after election.”
Ms Smith said Mr Ferguson had displayed a “different attitude” after he left union leadership and entered Parliament.
“I wouldn’t use the word traitor – I think Christie might use that word – but I think it’s a betrayal of some very important ideals,” she said.
