Strong tensions within the Greens have emerged just months from the federal election, with party leader Christine Milne being accused of running a dysfunctional office and allowing a culture of intimidation.
The accusations follow the resignation of a highly regarded senior employee and come after Senator Milne conceded last month that September’s poll would be an uphill battle for the party, which risked losing two Senate spots.
The Greens, who hold the balance of power in the Senate, remain a big force for this year’s election and their preferences alone could help decide the fate of candidates in marginal electorates around the nation.
Alexandra Lamb, who was a well-respected media adviser to Senator Milne, quit her job last Sunday after professional clashes with the party’s new communications director, Georgie Klug.
Ms Lamb was given half an hour to leave her Parliament House office when a breakdown of relationships led to her resignation.
The incident has highlighted a culture of tension and mistrust inside the party, with insiders saying the Greens’ office is fast becoming an unhappy place to work.
Sources say a “bitter, petty and nasty” process was put in train to force Ms Lamb’s resignation and was indicative of some measures used against other staff.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/greens-hit-by-rising-internal-strife-20130518-2jtl6.html#ixzz2TibCSohB
