TAS: Lib Senator says Quick a sign of trouble within ALP

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2007
TAS: Lib Senator says Quick a sign of trouble within ALP

HOBART, Aug 3 AAP - Tasmania's Liberal Senator Eric Abetz says outspoken Labor MP Harry
Quick should be supported by his party.

Mr Quick, who is retiring at the federal election after 14 years as MP for Franklin
in southern Tasmania, caused a stir this week by appearing on the campaign trail with
the Liberals.

He also has been outspoken about the pre-selection of his replacement.

The state ALP administrative committee will meet this afternoon to discuss whether
the expel or reprimand Mr Quick for his actions.

On Tuesday Mr Quick upset Labor party ranks when he appeared with Liberal candidate
for the electorate Vanessa Goodwin and Workplace Relations Minister Joe Hockey.

This followed his criticism of Labor's endorsed candidate for the seat, Kevin Harkins,
saying he was not the man for the job, based on his union background.

Senator Abetz said it was unfortunate that Labor was protecting Mr Harkins in an effort
to "look after its union mates".

"The Labor Party have been provided with a choice," he said.

"The person who has increased the Labor Party vote, won a Liberal seat and has been
a good servant for 14 years.

"Do you look after that sort of person or a trade union official who got flown in from
Melbourne."

The state ALP refused to comment other than to say it was meeting today.

AAP grc/jt/bwl

KEYWORD: QUICK ABETZ

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