Delahunty Hits Out At 'faceless' Labor Chiefs

The Age

Tuesday March 1, 2005

FARRAH TOMAZIN

STATE Minister Mary Delahunty has attacked the "faceless" factional chiefs who reportedly want her to stand down for next year's state election.

Vowing to recontest her safe seat of Northcote at preselections this year, the Arts Minister hit out at reports that the party's ruling right faction had targeted her as part of a purge of underperforming MPs.

She admitted she was vulnerable because, unlike most cabinet ministers, she was not aligned to the Left or Right factions.

"I think the 'faceless men' are at it again," she said.

"I'm not a member of a faction and I guess, in that sense, I'm an endangered species. This is a good government, and we know that if there's factional warfare it undermines the work of a good government (and) it damages a good government in the eye of the public."

The Sunday Age reported this week that Ms Delahunty's name was "on the table" as part of a plan by the right-wing Labor Unity faction to get rid of underperfomers to make way for fresh talent.

But Ms Delahunty yesterday ruled out quitting Parliament. -- FARRAH TOMAZIN