Tasmanian Labor conference delayed until after federal election, president Ben McGregor sacked

Tasmanian Labor president Ben McGregor had refused to resign despite calls from Mr Benson and the State Parliamentary Labor Party, but the ALP National Executive intervened on Tuesday by passing a motion to amend the Tasmanian branch rules to allow him to be removed as president.

State secretary Stuart Benson informed members of the conference decision on Tuesday, citing the party's focus on winning Bass and Braddon, retaining Lyons and Franklin, and potentially winning Liberal senator Eric Abetz's Senate seat at the next federal election.

The state conference was due to be held later this month.

The federal election must be held before May 21, with either March or April appearing the most likely. Incumbent Labor MPs were defeated in Bass and Braddon at the last election, proving critical to the coalition gaining a majority.

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In his letter, Mr Benson confirmed the decision to postpone the conference had come following a resolution from the ALP National Executive.

He said motions and platforms could still be considered in the interim.

"Policy motions will be emailed to relevant shadow ministers and platform chairs for the consideration of policy development," Mr Benson wrote.

"Branches will have an opportunity to submit, if relevant, the same motions or new motions for our next state conference once details are confirmed after the next federal election.

"The new platform chairs will continue to meet over coming months to build on the work already done to ensure we have strong and relevant platforms for our next state conference."

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In a statement, Mr McGregor said he only learnt of his sacking after reading about the cancelled conference in the media.

"This is very distressing and disappointing for me. I have worked hard for the party for many years, striving to give a voice to grassroots members," he said.

"I am particularly distressed that the National Executive acted unilaterally to remove me. I was not informed of the National Executive's intention to remove me prior to its decision.

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"I was not offered an opportunity to address the National Executive before they made their decision.

"I believe that this action is inconsistent with what most Australians, and most ALP members, would consider to be a fair and just process."

The delay in the conference prevents Tasmanian Labor from holding a potentially emotionally-charged and divisive event following a series of factional struggles during the recent state election and ongoing concern at the handling of an investigation into the conduct of Franklin MHA David O'Byrne.

In recent weeks, the Health and Community Services Union has disaffiliated with Tasmanian Labor.

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