nicely written, as usual. But, a mere repeat of the news and merely telling us the brutal reality about how politics operates. Dirty game, with a lot of egotistical people who don't like their boat being rocked.
I was once asked by a corrupt Labor MP whether I wanted to join the party and who knows down the track. Never interested, just like to write about politics and actually would prefer a ordinary job, even if low paid.

And I don't find the people who study politics at universities much different, at least from my own experience.

I believe the Senator's main complaint was that she was left out of the planning committee? Was given the cold shoulder?

Many saw her as a conservative in labor clothing, given her sympathies and connections with the likes of Hansen? And her preselection was in serious doubt?

I'm not sure any of the bullying allegations have serious merit, particularly when they are being championed by conservatives, who were no angels themselves, but quite at home in the bully boy pulpit?

More like the pot calling the kettle black, to coin a phrase?
Alan B.