Sharryn Jackson - Post-election Defeat

Post-election Defeat

Following her defeat in the 2004 election, Jackson worked as Chief of Staff for State MP Bob Kucera, who was the Minister for Sport and Recreation.

Jackson was appointed by Western Australian Premier Alan Carpenter as Director of the "Community Cabinet and Liaison Unit", part of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, in May 2005. Her employment in this role drew criticism, since the job was not advertised and the role was already being filled by other public servants. It was also a controversial appointment because she kept her $120,000-value Ministerial Chief of Staff salary and the unit's primary role was as a "propaganda machine" creating promotional material for Government members but not for other members.

She was elected as Western Australian State President of the Australian Labor Party in November 2005, defeating Sarah Burke in a tight contest. She took over this position from Michelle Roberts, a Member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly. Jackson signalled that she intended to bridge the widening divisions between the different factions within the State Labor Party. Jackson was re-elected State President in June 2006, again defeating Sarah Burke.

After initially considering running for the Division of Brand in the forthcoming 2007 Federal election to replace outgoing member Kim Beazley, Jackson announced in January 2007 that she intended to once again seek Labor Party endorsement for the seat of Hasluck. She also signalled her intention to resign from the ALP State Presidency if she gained endorsement. Also nominating for endorsement was Silvia Barzotto, from Labor's "New Right" faction. Jackson secured Labor endorsement in the endorsement ballots of February 2007.

She quit her position within the Department of Premier and Cabinet in March 2007, and was succeeded as State ALP President by Sally Talbot in June 2007.