OPPOSITION leader Bill Shorten will not confirm his support for Senator Helen Polley as the number one placeholder on Labor's Tasmanian Senate ticket.
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Mr Shorten appeared in Launceston today with Senator Polley to discuss possible upcoming federal budget implications for pensioners.
Senator Polley's office was subject to a Comcare workplace investigation following allegations of bullying and belittling staff, which had been referred to senior Labor members, the Australian Workers Union, and the Health and Community Service Union as far back as 2006.
A Comcare report said the office had an unhealthy workplace culture that had an adverse impact on the morale, health and well-being of some staff.
Mr Shorten at a press conference today sidestepped a question on whether he supported her place as leader on Labor's Tasmanian Senate ticket.
``Senator Polley works hard for Tasmania, and particularly Northern Tasmania,'' he said.
``Ultimately it's a process for Tasmanian Labor who they pick for their Senate.
``Labor is a membership-based party, and we are determined to have good, hardworking candidates representing Tasmania.''