Questions have been raised about the political future of Federal ALP parliamentarian, Steve Georganas after the Australian Electoral Commission recently upheld its draft decision to abolish federal ALP frontbencher Mark Butler’s safe seat of Port Adelaide.
The most likely scenario was that Mr Butler would take neighbouring Hindmarsh from his factional colleague Steve Georganas, and that the Greek Australian parliamentarian would be moved to the seat of Adelaide, where Kate Ellis is retiring.
Mr Georganas is well respected among the Greek Australian community, and Neos Kosmos understands that prominent Greek Australians will support him to retain his Hindmarsh seat.
According to some sources, Mr Georganas might be asked to shift to the Senate, where there is a vacant spot on the ticket after the loss of Anne McEwen in 2016.
There were also reports that he could be handed a safe state seat at the next election in 2022, possibly in Cheltenham, with former Labor premier Jay Weatherill expected to retire.
In a written statement sent to Neos Kosmos, Mr Georganas said he has proudly served in the marginal seat of Hindmarsh in the western suburbs of Adelaide for over a decade, regaining the seat for a second term in 2016 for Labor.
“While the boundaries of Hindmarsh have moved, I will explore all available options to serve the community I love,” he said.
“I was elected for a three year term in 2016, and my focus is to represent the people of Hindmarsh for the parliamentary term.
“I look forward to discussions with my colleagues to determine the best way forward.”