Greens Senator in shock Labor defection
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The news: West Australian Greens Senator, Dorinda Cox, has defected to the Labor Party.
The context: Following an unsuccessful bid to become deputy leader of the Greens, Senator Cox told a press conference in Perth alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that she was looking forward to serving as a Labor Senator.
Senator Cox said: “I am very, very grateful for this opportunity and I want to thank the Labor team for welcoming me.”
“I've spoken to the Prime Minister about the work I would like to do in the future. As a member of a party of government. I will continue to be focused and committed to the work in my home state of WA, and I look forward to serving as a proud Labor Senator in the 48th Parliament,” Cox said.
Albanese said he welcomed Senator Cox into the Labor Party, and that she is looking forward to working in a united, cohesive team, building a better future not just for the people of Western Australia, but for the people of Australia. The Senator wants to be a part of “a government that can make decisions, to make a difference,” Albanese added.
Albanese said that Cox approached the Labor party recently, and that he engaged “very constructively” with her after that approach was made.
When asked about prior bullying accusations that have been made against Cox, Albanese responded that Labor has examined everything in the past and that issues were dealt with appropriately. He added that his government has established guidelines relating to workplace issues and safety, ensuring that workplaces are properly examined. “They were all dealt with in Senator Cox’s case and dealt with appropriately.”
The source: Labor press conference
