Rees denies plot behind Stewart dumping

NSW government infighting over former small business minister Tony Stewart's sacking
reinforces the need for a public inquiry, the opposition says.

Premier Nathan Rees strenuously denies claims from one of his Labor MPs that Mr
Stewart was sacked to make room in cabinet for former Unions NSW boss John
Robertson.
Mr Stewart was dumped after an independent inquiry by barrister Chris Ronalds SC
found he bullied a female staff member, Tina Sanger, at a charity dinner in October
last year.
Senior Labor MP Richard Amery has told the Sun Herald Mr Rees sacked Mr Stewart to
allow Mr Robertson, now corrective services minister, to move onto the front bench.
But the premier says the claim makes no sense.
"Can I make this very clear, that this central assertion in today's story is
absolutely false," Mr Rees told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.
"It doesn't stand up to the most cursory examination of the facts, and the facts are
straightforward: that there was already a vacancy in the cabinet.
"Secondly, that minister Stewart actually offered his resignation."
Mr Amery told the Sun Herald he tried to convince Mr Rees to refer the matter to
police.
He said Mr Rees rejected the option because a police investigation would take too
long and he was under pressure to find a place for Mr Robertson in the ministry.
"I alleged (to the premier) at the time it was political expediency and he was
offended by that, but I stand by that opinion," Mr Amery told the told the Sun
Herald.
"The timing was fortuitous."
Mr Stewart was happy for police to investigate and interview witnesses, Mr Amery said.
Mr Rees said he stood by Ms Ronalds' report and wasn't concerned about reports other
people at the function had come forward claiming nothing untoward occurred.
"They are saying they didn't see it happen. That doesn't mean it didn't happen," the
premier said.
Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell says the sacking needs closer scrutiny.
"Richard Amery again demonstrates today the deep divisions that exist in the Labor
Party and it's not just over the Tony Stewart matter," Mr O'Farrell told reporters.
"It's no surprise that when confronted with an opportunity to repay factional
warlords in the Labor Party for making him premier, Mr Rees decided to opt to sack
Mr Stewart and to promote John Robertson.
"What I called for on day one was an independent inquiry - a public inquiry.
"It was the premier who chose to go down another path. It was the premier who
ignored the advice of Mr Amery to refer the matter to police so that they evidence
could be tested."
Mr Stewart is suing Ms Ronalds and the state of NSW over her report into the
incident which led to his demotion.
Mr Amery said several MPs planned to attend a function at Bankstown Sports Club on
June 19 to raise funds for Mr Stewart's court battle.