The candidate controversially overlooked by Labor for Kristina Keneally in Fowler at the last federal election has denied being involved in a “stitch up” for a state seat in western Sydney, saying she “doesn’t control” what head office decides.
The Guardian understands senior Labor figures have been testing local support for Tu Le, the Vietnamese-Australian lawyer who was controversially pushed aside to allow Keneally to run in Fowler in May, to run in either Cabramatta or Fairfield at the New South Wales election in March.
It comes after sitting the Fairfield MP, Guy Zangari, announced he would retire at the next election, with Cabramatta MP Nick Lalich also considering his future.
Le, who was vocal about Labor’s need to preselect candidates who reflected the areas they were running in after Keneally lost the previously safe seat, has the backing of former Fowler MP Chris Hayes as well as senior figures inside the party.
But her advocacy also won her enemies within the party – earlier this year she faced an expulsion motion from members in the Cabramatta branch for her criticism of the former NSW premier.
Rumours that she may have institutional support to avoid a rank-and-file vote have sparked angst among local members furious at the suggestion the party may bypass what would be a hotly contested preselection in both seats should Lalich also retire.
But Le said that while she was open to the prospect of running, she also supported a rank-and-file vote.
“At the moment I’m 38 weeks pregnant, so that’s my immediate priority,” she said.
“But I obviously support a rank-and-file, and I don’t know why people assume that anything else is the case. Nothing is confirmed and it’s out of my hands anyway. If I’ve learned anything after the last 12 months it’s that nothing is 100%.”
If she did run, she could face a crowded field.
The list of names understood to be interested includes Kate Hoang, the vice-president of the Vietnamese Community of Australia’s NSW chapter and a local lawyer; Tri Vo, a former president of the Vietnamese Community Association; and former Fairfield city council candidate Shawn Lu.
Former police officer David Saliba, who unsuccessfully challenged Zangari in Fairfield at the last election, is also understood to be considering running for preselection.
On Wednesday, Lu wrote on social media that local members “cannot allow someone to steal representation”.
“I will be surprised if the Labor party dumps preselection which enables the local community a voice on who would be best to represent them,” he wrote.
“It wouldn’t be the first time that the party has made a disastrous decision overlooking and underestimating local talent. We only need to reflect on the recent election outcomes in the seat of Fowler.
“We cannot allow someone to steal representation. We need our local community, branches and members to have a vote and voice. I call on local leaders to also advocate for a preselection vote. People cannot be complicit.”
