Trade union official Mark Buttigieg has pointed to his campaign experience as he seeks Labor Party preselection for the seat of Barton.
Mr Buttigieg, 49, who lives at Kyeemagh and is an organiser for the Electrical Trades Union, confirmed he was a candidate.
In a letter to branch members, he presented himself as “a strong voice for the rank and file”.
Mr Buttigieg joined ethic community leader George Vellis and Rockdale councillor Andrew Tsounis as the only declared candidates.
It appears former premier Morris Iemma has decided to stay out of the contest, while Upper House MP Shaoquett Moselmane is canvassing the possibility of a run.
While Mr Moselmane commands a large bloc of branch votes in Bexley, Kingsgrove and Arncliffe, which could decide the preselection outcome, it is believed head office does not see him as “the right fit” in Barton, but feels he is better suited to his present position.
Mr Moselmane said he had not had “any serious discussions [about standing] and, if I do I will be speaking first to party officers”.
Other possible candidates yet to declare their hand include assistant secretary of Unions NSW, Emma Maiden, head of media at the University of Sydney, Kirsten Andrews, Hurstville councillor Brent Thomas and Rockdale councillor Shane O’Brien.
Mr Buttigieg told the Leader, over the last 12 months, he had made it clear to branch members, and it had been well known within the party generally, he intended to nominate.
”In that sense I was by far the first such ‘declared’ candidate,” he said.
“The recent redistribution process and the associated prospect of, first, Anthony Albanese and, then, Morris Iemma running obviously stalled the whole process.
“This now appears to have been resolved.”
In his letter to branch members, Mr Buttigieg said he had extensive experience campaigning in both the political and industrial wings of the labour movement.
Because of this, as well as “life experiences, education and appetite for hard work, I believe I have what it takes to win Barton back and be an effective representative of the party for the local area”, he said.
“Winning Barton will not be easy and should never be taken for granted,” he said.
“We must fight tooth and nail to get it back – but with your support that’s what we will do.”
Mr Buttigieg said he was seeking support “not on the basis of political connections or friendships, but on merit”.
“I have represented the party in many capacities including twice as the candidate for the federal seat of Cook and as a councillor on Sutherland Shire Council.”
Mr Buttigieg said, having Maltese parents and a Greek wife, he understood and related to the diverse nature of the electorate.
