Once the former leader of Tasmanian Labor, David O’Byrne has now quit the party and will instead run as an independent in the seat of Franklin.
O’Byrne stepped down as leader in 2021 due to historical harassment allegations but was later cleared by an internal inquiry.
His return to the party was opposed by current Labor leader Rebecca White, who, as shown in a leaked letter, excluded him from her list of preferred candidates.
White endorsed seven others instead, including Ebony Altimira, Simon Bailey, Megan Brown, Kaspar Deane, Phil Pregnall, Toby Thorpe and Dean Winter.
O’Byrne formally announced his decision on Sunday morning, saying the current Liberal government was “failing Tasmania and failing those who rely on core government services such as health, housing, education and public transport”.
“I believe I can play a role in the next parliament to not only raise the important issues, but also create positive change,” he said.
“I have, in effect, been operating as an independent in the Parliament for the last few years. I believe that in an expanded Parliament, and a likely hung Parliament, I can use my experience and position to fight for the better outcomes our community deserves.”
He said his vision for Tasmania is a state with a strong and vibrant economy, with growing businesses that deliver good jobs,
effective government services, happy and healthy people and greater opportunities for all.
“I want to see our state embrace economic opportunities, not squander them. I want to see the next parliament actually deliver the facilities our state needs to set up an AFL and AFLW team for success, finally realising the dream that so many of us have held for so long.”
O’Byrne has written to the Tasmanian Branch of the ALP and resigned as a member of the Australian Labor Party, thanking them for their “support and friendship” over the last 30 years.
“I am really excited about the future. I look forward to continuing my work and gaining the support and trust of the people of Franklin as an Independent,” he said.
The state government, through Whip Dean Young, said O’Byrne’s decision to “tear up” his Labor Party membership was a “shameful day in the history of the Labor party”.
“Everyone knows that [Leader Rebecca] White forcing Mr O’Byrne out is about only one thing and one thing only, Ms White trying to protect her beleaguered leadership,” he said.
