[Greens-Media] Labor looks to double dissolution

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Thursday, 19 July 2007

Labor looks to double dissolution

Former Labor MP and candidate for the marginal seat of Braddon in
Tasmania, Sid Sidebottom, has told a public gathering that a double
dissolution after Rudd Labor wins office is an option.  

Mr Sidebottom was speaking at a 'Your Rights at Work' forum in
Ulverstone last night.  Sidebottom was referring to Labor facing a
hostile Senate with either the Coalition or Family First holding the
balance of power, preventing the repeal of the WorkChoices legislation.

The Greens Braddon candidate, Paul O'Halloran, said he was surprised
that Labor had a double dissolution amongst its options. 

"Labor and Greens voters in Braddon will want Sid to support a swap -
Labor preferencing the Greens in the Senate, and Greens preferencing
Labor in lower house seats.

"For some reason - maybe to do with putting Family First ahead of the
Greens again - Labor is stalling on a swap," Paul O'Halloran said.

Greens Leader Bob Brown says Labor has not responded to the swap
proposal, though it was put forward more than three months ago.  

"Labor is talking with other parties, including Family First," Senator
Brown said.


Further comment from Senator Brown:  
Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603

Paul O'Halloran can be contacted on 0409 336 721


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Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185
ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au