That didn’t take long, via Domainfax:
Former NSW premier Bob Carr is facing demands he be expelled from Labor because of his links to China, a sign that the relationship some within the NSW division of the party have established with donors connected to Beijing is causing deep unease among the rank and file.
Long-time party member Mark Powell said he had been motivated to bring action against Mr Carr following Fairfax Media’s report that Mr Carr enlisted fellow former Labor premier-turned senator, Kristina Keneally to use estimates hearings to ask pro-China questions.
Mr Powell, a Labor Party member for 21 years, has accused Mr Carr of breaking four party rules, including: “Bringing the party into disrepute, action or conduct contrary to the principles and solidarity of the party, disloyal or unworthy conduct and disruptive tactics”. He wants Mr Carr immediately suspended, pending the tribunal hearing.
“[Former Labor senator] Sam [Dastyari] paid the price and so should Bob – any party members who work for overseas interests need to resign.”
Not exactly Bill Shorten but right nonetheless.
Meanwhile some good news:
Federal Parliament has cleared a hurdle in the push to stop foreign interference in Australian politics, with Labor and the Coalition stepping up talks on tougher laws after months of dispute over the reforms.
The moves clear the ground for a bipartisan vote on the foreign interference laws after a key parliamentary committee hands down its findings on how to address fears that the measures go too far.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is supporting the bipartisan approach and the reforms are gaining ground with Labor members of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security, the key group that must clear the changes.
In a significant step forward, Fairfax Media understands Labor and Coalition MPs have discussed an agreed set of changes that could see an amended plan put to Parliament within weeks.
Labor needs to be stronger on China across the board.
