MPs warn PM over reshuffle
A FEDERAL Cabinet reshuffle is being planned after next week’s Bennelong by- election, sparking tensions and fresh warnings from Queensland federal MPs.
The Queenslanders have privately warned they will go “ballistic” and “postal” if they are dudded in a reshuffle, warning they would be at the mercy of One Nation if they did not have strong Cabinet representation.
When asked what that would mean in practice, one MP warned they would stop being so helpful.
With Queenslander Peter Dutton to be sworn in to the powerful Home Affairs ministry, speculation is rife the reshuffle could be wider, especially if Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull moved to swear in a new immigration minister ( or similar title) and junior minister who would fall under the new justice super- portfolio.
There are a number of positions that need to be filled, including special minister of state, vacated by now Senate President Scott Ryan, and those of former regional development minister Fiona Nash and possibly Arthur Sinodinos, who has cancer.
Speculation remains about the future of Attorney- General George Brandis. While Ms Nash’s position will go
to new deputy Nationals leader Bridget McKenzie, jostling remains for other positions.
It is also not clear whether the Nationals will be stripped of a position because they are now one parliamentarian down since the 2016 election.
Senator Brandis, who has been championing the same- sex- marriage outcome, yesterday did little to hose down speculation he could resign from politics, although it is understood that he does want to stay and finalise reforms to family law, expected by 2019.
Asked on ABC Radio yesterday: “There is talk of a reshuffle. Are you ready to step back from being the Attorney- General or have you got more work to do”, Senator Brandis said, “There’s always more work to do in the attorney- general’s portfolio, but of course we are always all in the hands of the Prime Minister.”
Mr Turnbull was yesterday questioned about Coalition troublemaker and Queenslander George Christensen, who has become the political version of The Boy Who Cried Wolf by threatening to leave the LNP.
Mr Turnbull said: “We all know that this is a business where unity and discipline is critical.
“We are a broad church, but we have to work together and respect each other.”