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Incumbency is king

By Peter Tucker - posted Thursday, 6 July 2006


Mr Quick has said his motive is his desire to ensure his electorate gets someone who “says what he thinks” and is not, as he alleges Mr Harkins to be, a “drop kick”.

But perhaps the frustration of being a backbencher for five terms, four of them in opposition, is coming to the surface as well.

If Labor had more time as the incumbent in Canberra, Mr Quick would have had the opportunity to make some impact on broader national policy. As a backbencher in opposition, his principal reward has been to establish a close relationship with his electorate and in doing so make the seat safe for Labor.

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Maybe he considers it a just valedictory that he gets to name his successor?

The problem for Labor is that Harry Quick has nothing to lose which makes playing chicken with him a very dangerous game.

Long-term opposition is the ultimate frustration in politics. Incumbency really is king.

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About the Author

Peter Tucker has worked in Tasmania as an advisor for the Liberals in opposition and in ministerial offices for both Labor and Liberal governments. He is author of the Tasmanian Politics website, and is a researcher at the University of Tasmania’s School of Government.

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