AIDED & ABETZED
Tassie senator’s key role in ‘still alive’ push to overthrow PM
TASMANIAN Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has emerged as a key figure in the dramatic — and still very much alive — push to oust Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
The Mercury has confirmed Senator Abetz has been one of the Liberals actively involved in backing challenger Peter Dutton in recent days as leadership tensions boiled over.
Senator Abetz and his Tasmanian colleagues David Bushby and Jonathon Duniam all voted for Mr Dutton yesterday. Senator Richard Colbeck cast his vote for Mr Turnbull.
It is understood Senator Abetz, pictured, continued to call colleagues after yesterday’s vote to build the case for change — and in media appearances he said it was about “policies not personality”.
“It is important that the Parliamentary Liberal Party has a strong and effective policy platform that is in line with the expectations of those who elected me,” Senator Abetz said.
Six ministers have offered to quit, admitting they no longer support the PM. There could be another challenge within days.
TASMANIAN Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has emerged as a key figure in the dramatic — and still very much alive — push to oust Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Senator Abetz is understood to have been one of the Liberals actively involved in backing challenger Peter Dutton as leadership tensions within the party room boiled over amid concerns about Mr Turnbull’s policy platform.
Senators Abetz, David Bushby and Jonathon Duniam all voted for Mr Dutton in yesterday’s ballot.
Senator Richard Colbeck was the only Tasmanian Liberal to vote for Mr Turnbull.
It is understood Senator Abetz has taken an even more active role in the Dut- ton camp following yesterday’s ballot, continuing to call colleagues who voted for the Prime Minister to make his case for change.
That case is based on what Senator Abetz is arguing is the need to change the policy direction of the Liberal Party well ahead of the election due next year. It includes a push to change tack on energy policy, immigration, education funding, and superannuation.
Mr Dutton’s backers also want more focus on infra- structure, housing and jobs — and a small business representative in Federal Cabinet.
Senator Abetz launched a media blitz yesterday to argue the case for change.
“It is important that the Parliamentary Liberal Party has a strong and effective policy platform that is in line with the expectations of those who elected me,” he said.
“It is policy and not personality that motivates me.”
Senator Abetz is a wellknown supporter of former prime minister Tony Abbott and has previously spoken out against many of the policies advanced by Mr Turnbull — including the National Energy Guarantee.
Senator Duniam refused to publicly confirm his vote for Mr Dutton.