news, local-news, branch stacking camden, chris patterson, penny fischer

Local Liberals are at war following claims of branch stacking and attempts to oust sitting Camden MP Chris Patterson. Camden councillor Penny Fischer, her mother and NSW Minister Pru Goward, and Hume MP Angus Taylor have been accused of branch stacking to secure preselection for Cr Fischer in the seat of Camden at the next state election. They have also allegedly set their sights on Wollondilly MP Jai Rowell's state seat and aim to quash any hopes Macarthur MP Russell Matheson may have of contesting the federal seat of Hume, which will take in Camden at the next federal election. In recent months, registration in the Camden Young Liberals branch — pivotal to determining who will run for the Liberals at the next state and council elections — has rapidly risen from "single figures" last year to 54, with 41 of those residing outside the Camden electorate. One member listed his address as Jugiong — about 280 kilometres west of Camden. Current policy allows residents from neighbouring federal electorates to sign up as members which means residents in Fairfield and Wollongong could determine the next Liberal candidate for Camden. Accusers point to Cr Fischer, Ms Goward and Mr Taylor as being behind the recruitment drive of members from outside the electorate. If a state election was held now, Cr Fischer would have enough support to secure preselection. When contacted, Cr Fischer said she was unable to comment on internal Liberal Party matters . Mr Taylor also refused to confirm or deny that he had teamed up with Cr Fischer or whether he was part of the branch stacking. "I don't think internal Liberal Party politics is top of the agenda for voters in Hume," he said. Mr Patterson, who secured the seat of Camden by almost 30 per cent at the last election, said he was unimpressed that a resident in Jugiong could vote on Camden matters. "I support the political process but I certainly believe people involved in preselection should live in the local area," he said. Mr Rowell described the situation as a "bloody disgrace". "I'm disappointed the same type of people attempted unsuccessfully to do it at the Wollondilly [Young Liberals branch] too," he said. It's believed Mr Matheson would have enough support from other branches to win preselection for the seat of Hume if he were to challenge Mr Taylor. Though he was still undecided whether he would contest the seat. Mr Matheson said he was livid with the "branch stacking" of the Camden Young Liberals and called for the disendorsement of members who resided outside the state electorate.

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