
Issue No 112		21 September 2001

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

Psychology

The Man Behind the Mask

Costa's predecessor Peter Sams argues that behind the bluff facade lay a loyal and caring friend.


	Costa & Sams

***************

Every Labor Council Secretary has imprinted on the position his own style, personality and priorities. Michael Costa was no different.

Despite his relatively short tenure he was, in my opinion, a great Labor Council Secretary. He achieved much in a very short time.

Many have described Michael as aggressive, arrogant and, sometimes, downright rude. This is not the Michael I know. Having worked closely with him for many years, I saw the other side of him - warm, friendly, loyal and caring. I could not have asked for a more loyal deputy.

Michael never craved the Secretaryship. Indeed, I hazard a guess he never really wanted it. But when elected, he was unrelenting and tireless in championing the importance of the Council's work on behalf of New South Wales workers. He achieved many of the things that previous Secretaries had dreamed of but could never achieve (including myself).

Some described our roles during the period we were Secretary and Assistant Secretary as that of "good cop, bad cop" (no guessing who was who!). However, there was much more to our relationship than that. My interests were largely industrial, Michael's was ensuring Labor Council strengthened its financial position and long term future. It was a beautiful symmetry.

Some would blanch at the thought of Michael as caring. But there are many examples I saw of this side of him. While I hope not to embarrass him, one incident particularly springs to mind. As Assistant Secretary, Michael insisted he give up his car spot under the building for a pregnant staff member who was parking much further away - such was his concern for her welfare.

Michael's talents are far too important to be lost to the labour movement and I know he will make an enormously valuable contribution to the Parliament of New South Wales.

Peter Sams is now a Deputy President on the NSW Industrial Relations Commission

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Issue 112 contents

Interview: Exit Interview
Michael Costa looks back at his 14 years with the Labor Council to chart the highs, the lows and the bits in between.

Parliament: Opening Salvo
In his Maiden Speech, delivered this week, Costa gave vent to his views on immigration, Marx, globalisation and mental health.

Scandals: My Evil Twin
Co-conspirator and 'intellectual soulmate' Mark Duffy recounts the legendary 'Leaked Paper' Affair and how its predictions soon came to pass.

Politics: An Agent for Change
Former secretary Michael Easson argues that Costa was instrumental in redefining the factional balance in NSW in the wake of the Cold War.

Review: The Thoughts of Chairman MC
Neale Towart trawls the collected works of Michael Costa and looks at his love-hate affair with Marx.

Factions: Kyoto Sunset
Naomi Steer - the first left-winger to work at Labor Council in decades - recalls how she discovered the real Michael in a Karaoke lounge.

History: A Proud Tradition
Former Premier Barrie Unsworth argues Costa enters Parliament as the best qualified Labor Council leader ever to make the transition.

Psychology: The Man Behind the Mask
Costa's predecessor Peter Sams argues that behind the bluff facade lay a loyal and caring friend.

Seduction: Michael and Me
Chris Christodoulou recounts how Costa convinced him to cross the factional divide and take up residence in Sussex Street.

Satire: Ode to Leon
Long-time sparring partner, Peter Botsman submits this lyrical tribute to Costa's career.

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