People you meet along the way - EP23 - The dead vote twice

Uncertainties surround the outcome of the May election and polling in Bradfield, with memories of political figures like Graham Richardson and Frank Walker. A potential vote recount is anticipated due to close results and claims about citizenship ceremonies. Discussions highlight electoral manipulation tactics, including deceased voters. The Electoral Commission orders a recount where Michael Cleary wins narrowly. Frank Walker's legacy and political career are remembered, concluding with a look at future developments in Australian politics.

Transcript

1:30

Uncertainties surrounding the outcome of the Meg. Polling in the federal seat of Bradfield in Sydney's North, coupled with a full state election called for Tasmania, raises some memories of a couple of political figures of Met along the way, have always been open and transparent when it comes to getting the best possible result for their party people. Ray Richardson, for his famous whatever it takes attitude towards garnering votes and the late, and a great mate Frank Walker, who served as both state and Federal Attorney General and as a New South Wales district Court judge. The people of the Sydney electorate of Bradfield possibly face another vote recount after a two close to call result in the May poll. There's controversial claims that PM Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs minister Tony Burke, can justify the mass citizenship ceremonies on Election Eve as clearing the backlog rather than harvesting new citizen votes. I'm reminded of the grand old days of the Whitland Keating and Hawke governments, and in particular, my longstanding friendship with the late Frank Walker. Frank served as Attorney General in the state government of Premier Neville Rand, and in the same role in the Federal Parliament as the member for Robertson. He went into a state parliament in 1970 as the member for Georgia's River. An electorate previously considered a safe liberal seat. Frank pulled no punches in our discussions of the state of politics in New South Wales and federally in all electorates the dead vote twice. He told me several times, once for labor, once for the Libs, but in Georgia's River, I make sure they vote at least three times in his electorate office. A staff member had been tasked with reading the deaths and funeral notices in each of the daily national and local newspapers looking for the names and addresses of the deceased within Georgia's river of electorate. Another staffer then had the job of arranging postal and absentee votes for those who had passed away. Others in the office canvas, local nursing homes offering assistance with postal votes, or providing transport for anyone wishing to attend the polling booths. Within the labor left of the time, Frank's reputation reign as the go-to man for organizing postal and absentees to the betterment of the party's future, particularly with the backing of fellow lawyer and Sydney University alumni. Neville ran in 1974. The Electoral Commission ordered a recount and subsequent new poll for the seat of ji, where Triple International Rugby League player and athlete Michael Cleary, stood for labor in the new poll. Cleary won by a handful of votes as the TV cameras and media gathered to hear the final declaration of the poll ran and Cleary stood side by side behind them stood Frank Walker with the announcement that Cleary had won. A chair went up and ran immediately about turn to Shake Walker's hand before shaking the hands of his new mp. An indication again that Frank had handled the absentees and Coastals. Frank Walker lost his seat in 1996 with the fall of the Keating government and renewed his legal career, including being appointed a district court judge. He died from cancer at the age of 69, honored with a state funeral attended by former Prime Minister Paul Keating. Three former premiers High Court Judge Mary Goran broadcaster John Laws, and with Anthony Albanese representing the Prime Minister of the day. But when it comes to brand stacking troubles, the grand prize goes to Peter Baldwin, a former MP in the seat of Sydney. Seat currently held by Tanya Ec in 1980. Baldwin was bashed Central after he made allegations of branch stacking that allowed the city's organized crime. Bosses access to the A LP Baldwin suffered horrific facial injuries, a fractured skull, and spent two weeks in hospital. Deputy Premier Jack Ferguson demanded that someone be charged, no one ever was. As always, there's more to come in Australian politics. I'm Terry Galloway, and in the meantime, if you have any questions, information, or just want to chat, email me at Galloway.