Rees axes Tripodi from NSW frontbench

NSW Premier Nathan Rees has wasted no time using new extraordinary powers granted
him by the ALP, boldly axing Joe Tripodi and Ian Macdonald from his frontbench.

Mr Tripodi, the Right faction powerbroker who has kept Mr Rees safe as leader, said
he was given no reason for his sacking but says he accepts the decision and the
premier's position is safe.
The dumped pair will be replaced by Heathcote MP Paul McLeay and current upper house
president Peter Primrose.
Mr Tripodi, seen as unpopular figure in the electorate, rejected as "ridiculous"
suggestions that his dumping could now serve as a catalyst for him to use power in
caucus to roll Mr Rees as premier.
"The premier has got a very difficult job to do, he's made some decisions and we can
all debate the merit of the decision," Mr Tripodi told reporters
"I accept those decisions ... and as I've always been loyal to the party, I've
accepted what the premier has asked me to do."
Given Mr Tripodi's standing within caucus his axing has come as a surprise to
everyone - including himself.
He said Mr Rees had never raised concerns about his performance as a minister.
"The premier has got unprecedented authority now, he's been given that authority by
the conference and I agree with him entirely when he says the party has to be
disciplined," Mr Tripodi said.
"While people choose to characterise me as a factional powerbroker, I've actually
been playing a very big role in securing a lot of our discipline and I don't make
any apology for that."
Mr Macdonald, who more recently was responsible for primary industries and mineral
resources, was demoted in a reshuffle in September when Mr Rees punished those who
had plotted against him as leader.
However, he was unable to dump Mr Macdonald until now, after the NSW ALP state
conference gave Mr Rees the power to choose his own cabinet.
Previously premiers had their frontbench team dictated to them by the caucus.
Such powers were also sought by Morris Iemma only for the then premier to have the
request rejected in his own caucus in a move that ended his leadership.
Mr Tripodi admitted on Sunday that if he had been given such authority, things might
have been different for Mr Iemma.
Mr Macdonald said he would also stay on and serve his full term in the upper house -
it expires in 2015.
"Earlier today I offered my resignation as minister for primary industries, mineral
resources and state development as requested by the premier," Mr Macdonald said in a
statement on Sunday.
"It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as a minister and parliamentary
secretary for the past 11 years in the NSW Labor government.
"I will continue to serve Country Labor for my full term."
Tony Kelly, another punished in the September reshuffle, has survived Mr Rees' axe
and will remain on the frontbench as lands minister.
Mr Rees released only a brief statement on Sunday, thanking both Mr Tripodi and Mr
Macdonald for their contributions as ministers.
The premier also announced upper house MP Henry Tsang had been dumped as a
parliamentary secretary.
Mr Tsang's axing comes after revelations he failed to declare gifts and
accommodation from Chinese-backed construction group Hightrade.
Mr Rees said he would announce the full allocation of portfolios on Monday.
In Singapore for the APEC summit, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd backed Mr Rees selecting
his own cabinet.
"It's time we actually got with the program, and the program of modernity is you
elect a leader, it's a leader's job to select the best executive.
"Nathan Rees has made that call. I back him 100 per cent."