A little-known union official has landed a Senate seat in Tasmania’s north-west, blindsiding the state’s Labor Party after national executives passed over several prominent contenders.
Josh Dolega, a Community and Public Sector Union organiser and former fitness instructor, will step into the vacancy left by Anne Urquhart, who resigned to successfully run for the federal seat of Braddon in May.
The move has reportedly caught party insiders off guard, with many questioning how Dolega was picked ahead of better-known contenders like Unions Tasmania boss Jessica Munday.
Labor sources say the party is in a state of shock, with most members unfamiliar with Dolega’s background or credentials.
A member of Labor’s left faction, Dolega has previously worked as a tax officer and taught group fitness classes.
He keeps a low profile online and is said to be open to relocating to the state’s north-west coast, a key requirement for the role.
Several candidates were in the mix for the spot, including former federal Labor candidate Chris Lynch, Meander Valley councillor Ben Dudman and teachers’ union leader David Genford.
Labor’s national executive confirmed Dolega’s appointment on Friday.
His nomination is expected to be formally ratified on Tuesday, after which he will serve out the remaining three years of Urquhart’s Senate term.
