alternative theories were in circulation regarding the source of the affidavit.

Koperberg was immediately made Environment Minister upon his election in March 2007, but was stood down the following December when it further emerged that the 1987 affidavit included an allegation he had also assaulted his step-daughter. He was reinstated a month later when the police declined to press charges, but resigned from the ministry another month later citing ill health. In October 2010 he made a long-predicted announcement that he would not seek another term, complaining of “the bitterness of factional fighting within the system ”.

Labor’s electoral prospects being the way they are, their preselection was a fairly quiet affair. Their endorsement has gone to Trish Doyle, a staffer to Koperberg who has been associated with the Leftfaction. The Liberal preselection was won by local dentist Roza Sage, who was chosen ahead of local councillor and midwife Fiona Creed and former Blue Mountains Grammar School principal Stuart Walker. Also in the field as an independent is local councillor Janet Mays, whose prospects are rated highly by local observers.

Analysis written by William Bowe. Please direct corrections or comments to pollbludger-AT-crikey.com.au. Read William’s blog, The Poll Bludger.