Following the 2025 Australian federal election, a significant factional power struggle erupted within the Labor Party. The conflict centered around the reshuffling of cabinet positions, specifically targeting ministers Mark Dreyfus and Chris Husic.
The article details how Richard Marles, leveraging his faction's electoral success, orchestrated the removal of Dreyfus and Husic. This was not a smooth transition; rather, it involved intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering and a lack of negotiation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese chose not to intervene, supporting Marles' actions. Former Prime Minister Paul Keating criticized the factional maneuvering involved.
The article highlights the shifting power dynamics within the Labor Party, particularly the rise of Marles' faction and the decline of the Shorten group. The departure of key figures like Bill Shorten and Adem Somyurek created opportunities for Marles' faction to consolidate its power.
The article concludes that this power struggle has created lasting animosity, particularly among the NSW Right faction. While Marles successfully increased his faction's power in the cabinet, this action could negatively impact his chances of future leadership ambitions. The author also suggests that the resulting wounds from this cabinet reshuffle will have long-term consequences.