ID :
11721
Mon, 07/07/2008 - 10:08
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/11721
The shortlink copeid
PM backs embattled NSW premier Iemma
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has thrown his support behind embattled NSW Premier Morris Iemma, who has been called out of touch by one of his own MPs.
Angela D'Amore, from the Sydney inner west seat of Drummoyne, delivered the scathing assessment of Mr Iemma's leadership, saying she was "not surprised the polls have been so bad".
The Iemma government and the premier have been battered by recent polls that show
support for both collapsing.
Ms D'Amore also criticised Labor caucus as a rubber stamp for the premier.
"Caucus needs to be a robust forum where MPs can discuss issues truthfully," she
told Fairfax newspapers.
"If you do that you shouldn't be seen as controversial - you should be seen as being
in touch."
Her comments come as speculation builds about a challenge to Mr Iemma's leadership,
which the NSW opposition says will do little to improve Labor's position.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Mr Iemma deserved his support.
"Morris Iemma has taken really tough decisions on the future of the electricity
industry there, really tough decisions," Mr Rudd told ABC Television.
"That's why I support him. I think he has done a good job on this very, very difficult debate."
State Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell said replacing Mr Iemma would make little difference to a government that had failed NSW.
"The public clearly understand that Labor is part of the problem in NSW, not part of the solution," Mr O'Farrell said.
"A change of leader won't make a difference to the cultural problems, stench of corruption and incompetence within the Labor government."
Members of the NSW frontbench also backed Mr Iemma, with Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald saying the government needed stability through challenging times.
"People that are thinking that there's people around who are better than Morris Iemma to lead the party are, in fact, in dreamland themselves," he said.
"I think that chopping and changing your leaders in a period where there's obviously some short-term difficulties is a fallacious thing."
Community Services Minister Kevin Greene said Mr Iemma had his support and he was proud of the NSW government's achievements, including the biggest infrastructure program the state had seen.
"I and the parliamentary party support the premier," Mr Greene said.
Comment was being sought from Mr Iemma.
Angela D'Amore, from the Sydney inner west seat of Drummoyne, delivered the scathing assessment of Mr Iemma's leadership, saying she was "not surprised the polls have been so bad".
The Iemma government and the premier have been battered by recent polls that show
support for both collapsing.
Ms D'Amore also criticised Labor caucus as a rubber stamp for the premier.
"Caucus needs to be a robust forum where MPs can discuss issues truthfully," she
told Fairfax newspapers.
"If you do that you shouldn't be seen as controversial - you should be seen as being
in touch."
Her comments come as speculation builds about a challenge to Mr Iemma's leadership,
which the NSW opposition says will do little to improve Labor's position.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Mr Iemma deserved his support.
"Morris Iemma has taken really tough decisions on the future of the electricity
industry there, really tough decisions," Mr Rudd told ABC Television.
"That's why I support him. I think he has done a good job on this very, very difficult debate."
State Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell said replacing Mr Iemma would make little difference to a government that had failed NSW.
"The public clearly understand that Labor is part of the problem in NSW, not part of the solution," Mr O'Farrell said.
"A change of leader won't make a difference to the cultural problems, stench of corruption and incompetence within the Labor government."
Members of the NSW frontbench also backed Mr Iemma, with Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald saying the government needed stability through challenging times.
"People that are thinking that there's people around who are better than Morris Iemma to lead the party are, in fact, in dreamland themselves," he said.
"I think that chopping and changing your leaders in a period where there's obviously some short-term difficulties is a fallacious thing."
Community Services Minister Kevin Greene said Mr Iemma had his support and he was proud of the NSW government's achievements, including the biggest infrastructure program the state had seen.
"I and the parliamentary party support the premier," Mr Greene said.
Comment was being sought from Mr Iemma.
