Tasmanian Labor has elected former federal senator Nick Sherry as its new president, capping nearly four years of federal administration of the troubled state branch.
Senator Anne Urquhart and Clark MP Ella Haddad were elected as vice presidents.
Sherry was one of two administrators appointed when Labor’s national executive took control of the Tasmanian branch in July 2022, citing factional infighting and poor election results.
The intervention has run for three years and nine months, well beyond its original three-year term.
The new team was confirmed today following the branch’s first state conference in seven years.
State secretary Jarryd Moore said the result showed “renewed unity”.
“This leadership team reflects the breadth of our party – bringing together different generations, genders, regions and perspectives from across the movement,” he said.
“That diversity is a strength.”
Moore said members now had a “laser focus on rebuilding and fighting to deliver a Labor government”.
Tasmanian Labor leader Josh Willie welcomed the announcement.
“Nick, Anne and Ella have all been tireless devotees to the labour movement in Tasmania and I congratulate each of them on their elections and thank them for their continued service,” Willie said.
“A strong and unified Labor party is a good thing for Tasmania and I look forward to seeing the party get back to its best.”
Sherry called his election a “deep honour” and said the recent conference showed “renewed strength, unity and focus”.
Urquhart said the “growth and renewal” would continue, while Haddad said she was “thrilled” to contribute to the work ahead.
The 2022 intervention suspended the state conference and the administrative committee, replacing them with an annual policy forum.
National secretary Paul Erickson said at the time the branch needed “a circuit-breaker to rebuild”.
The takeover was backed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and then state leader Rebecca White and was pitched as a path back to government.
That goal was not achieved. Labor has been in opposition in Tasmania since 2014.
White has since left the leadership, with Dean Winter and then Willie taking over.
