LUCINDA KENT
Anthony Albanese’s campaign to become leader of the Labor party has officially launched in Brisbane.
The Federal Member for Grayndler is running against Bill Shorten in the first Labor leadership contest to be voted on by every member of the party.
Mr Albanese has the support of Greg Combet and Penny Wong while other senior Labor figures like Wayne Swann refuse to publicly back a candidate.
At his leadership launch Mr Albanese said his experience as Deputy Prime Minister made him the best candidate to lead the party in Opposition.
“I’m putting myself forward though because I think at this time, I’ve got the vision, I can bring unity to the party,” he said.
“I believe the best role I can play in the team is to be the leader of the Labor party.”
Mr Albanese’s major promise as Opposition leader is to bring Labor back into government in three years time, while Shorten has said it will take at least six years to regain leadership.
Mr Shorten also chose Brisbane as the launchpad for his leadership bid, giving a speech to rank and file members of the Labor party less than 24 hours after Albanese’s launch.
“This leadership ballot offers us the chance to think freely,” Mr Shorten said.
“There’s a fatigue about disunity; party members are excited to have the choice.”
All current members of the Labor party are eligible to vote in the leadership ballot and the results will be announced on October 13.