ALP may decide Dobell in September

The NSW Labor party is expected to open nominations for the federal seat of Dobell in mid-September, isolating the sitting member Craig Thomson.

The ALP is understood to have pencilled in the week after the NSW local government elections on September 8 to open nominations in the Central Coast seat, a party source tells AAP.

Mr Thomson, who has held the seat since 2007, was suspended from the ALP on April 29 and now sits as an independent in federal parliament.

A Fair Work Australia investigation has found the former Health Services Union (HSU) national secretary misused almost $500,000 in member funds for escorts, cash withdrawals, electioneering and lavish meals.

Mr Thomson denies any wrongdoing and has vowed to fight the alleged workplace law contraventions in the Federal Court.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has previously told reporters that a “Labor party member” would be selected as the Dobell candidate.

Among those mentioned as possible candidates are former National Union of Workers organiser David Mehan, HSU member and pharmacist Emma McBride, and former state MP David Harris.

The Liberal party has already chosen public servant Karen McNamara to stand in the seat.

However, many rank-and-file Liberal members in Dobell have condemned the move by officials to bypass the local preselection process and install Ms McNamara.

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