Labor’s secret weapon revealed

MAYORS are being headhunted to run as Labor candidates at the next federal election in a move Anthony Albanese hopes will steal enough votes to claim victory.

The federal Labor leader also conceded he needed to lift his public profile if he was to topple Scott Morrison.

As the Coalition prepares to make its pitch to voters on Tuesday when it hands down the federal budget, Mr Albanese has opened up about his plans to leverage the standing of community leaders and claw back influence in key seats.

“We are competitive,” Mr Albanese said. “I’m looking for local champions.”

Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett was last month unveiled as Labor’s candidate in the Queensland seat of Flynn, while mine worker Shane Hamilton was this week announced in the seat of Dawson.

Former Bega Valley mayor Kristy McBain, who shot to fame after parts of her electorate were incinerated during the Black Summer bushfires, also cemented Labor’s hold on the NSW seat of Eden-Monaro in last year’s by-election.

“They won’t be the last mayors announced as our candidates,” Mr Albanese said. “There are others to come.” At the Tasmanian election this month, first-time candidate and Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter was easily voted in while Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston is expected to win a seat in Clark. Former Launceston mayor Janie Finlay also won a seat in Bass.

But while Mr Albanese is spearheading the search for people who can win back disenchanted Labor voters he has acknowledged he also needs to boost his own brand.

“I need to do more to lift the personal profile ... most Australians don’t focus on politics each and every day.’’