Labor to run candidate in Thomson's seat

2 Nov 2012, 4:48 pm   -   Source: AAP
The PM is refusing to say whether embattled MP Craig Thomson will be re-endorsed to run for the ALP. (AAP)

The PM is refusing to say whether embattled MP Craig Thomson will be re-endorsed to run for the ALP. (AAP)

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is refusing to say whether embattled former Labor MP Craig Thomson will be re-endorsed to run for the ALP at the next poll.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says Labor will field a candidate for Craig Thomson's seat of Dobell at next year's election, but has refused to be drawn on whether it will be the controversial MP himself.

Speaking to reporters in Gosford on the NSW Central Coast on Friday, Ms Gillard refused to confirm whether the former Labor and now independent MP would be re-endorsed or his suspension be lifted.

"Mr Thomson is no longer a member of the Labor Party," she said.

"There will be a Labor person for people to vote for at the next election."

The comment came after Mr Thomson vowed to vote against his former party's move to strip away the legal rights of asylum seekers who reach the mainland by boat.

A bill to excise the entire continent of Australia from the migration zone was introduced in federal parliament on Wednesday, after being approved by the Labor caucus.

"The Labor party seems to have abandoned its principles in relation to this issue," Mr Thomson told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.

Ms Gillard also defended the use of stricter assessments of asylum seeker claims, after 26 Sri Lankans without visas were returned to their home country on Thursday.

"If asylum seekers raise claims that aren't credible the action will be taken, as we've taken over the past few days," she said.

"The processes gone through are proper processes.

"If people don't have any credible claim they should be returned to where they came from."

AAP ry/jjs/mar/wjf

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