Opposition leader Kevin Rudd, Labor candidate for La Trobe Rodney Cocks and Labor deputy leader Julia Gillard check out the plants at Warners Nurseries in Narre Warren North yesterday.
KEVIN Rudd called into Narre Warren North yesterday (Wednesday) and immediately shrugged off the controversy behind the dumping of former Labor candidate for La Trobe Greg Pargeter.
The potential Australian Prime Minister was at Warners Nurseries to talk about the ALP’s industrial relations policy for small business.
Mr Rudd, accompanied by new La Trobe candidate Rodney Cocks and the opposition’s deputy leader Julia Gillard, toured the large nursery site and spoke to employees about the gardening industry.
He would not elaborate on the decision to replace Mr Pargeter, instead preferring to focus on the credentials of Mr Cocks.
Mr Rudd said members of the local ALP faction had made the decision.
Mr Pargeter was controversially stripped of the candidacy in August – only months after being selected to challenge sitting MP Jason Wood.
“Rodney Cocks is a first class guy. I’m proud to have another man in my team who has worn the national army uniform with pride,” Mr Rudd said.
Mr Cocks was named Victorian of the Year in 2005. He has also advised the United Nations (UN) on security issues and helped restore peace in East Timor.
Mr Rudd said residents of the La Trobe electorate had been missing out under their current MP.
“Rod Cocks is about to give locals a real good choice in the seat of La Trobe,” he said.
