A South Coast Labor figure has told Kiama MP Gareth Ward to butt out of federal politics.
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A stoush has arisen in the electorate of Gilmore after the surfacing of a 2015 letter written by Glenn Kolomeitz – Labor's candidate for Kiama in last year's state election.
In the letter Mr Kolomeitz complained of “an aggressively organised, high factional and quite personal campaign” against him from senior members in the seat of Gilmore.
Media reports quoted St George's Basin and Jervis Bay president Michelle Miran as claiming Mr Kolomeitz’s letter was a case of “sour grapes”.
Ms Miran had also previously described Mr Kolomeitz as a party official “with an inflated sense of grandeur”.
Mr Ward weighed into the debate this week to support Mr Kolomeitz, his main opponent in the 2015 election.
“Glenn Kolomeitz has served his nation on the frontline of some of the most dangerous conflicts around the world,” Mr Ward said.
“Mr Kolomeitz is now the CEO of the NSW Branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia.
“To attack such a distinguished local in a politically motivated rant is disgraceful.”
Ms Miran said Mr Ward should stop intruding on federal matters.
“I think Gareth should mind his own business and worry about his own party,” Ms Miran said.
“This is about inflating something and trying to turn it into an issue when it’s not.”
She also said this was an attempt by Mr Ward to destabilise the ALP’s push in the seat of Kiama – a claim he denied.
“Of course it is,” Ms Miran said.
“The Libs are renowned for doing anything they can to try and drive a wedge or destabilise.”
She also questioned the timing of a 12-month old letter resurfacing two weeks out from an election.
Mr Kolomeitz said he and Mr Ward were now friends in the wake of what was a hard-fought “yet at the same time very clean campaign” in 2015.
“I’m grateful for Gareth’s support,” Mr Kolomeitz said.
“Gareth is a man of integrity and a good local member and he’s jumping to the defence of a constituent, regardless of the fact that we were former political opponents.”