Hon Rob Lucas MLC

Shadow Minister for Health Sunday 2 February 2014

Weatherill must sack key Labor plotters

Premier Weatherill must today sack key Labor plotters involved in what is now a divisive and dysfunctional Government. Mr Weatherill is trying to sell the story that there were only two plotters Michael OBrien and faceless man, Don Farrell and the first time he was aware of this deal was last week, said Liberal spokesman Rob Lucas. Labor sources continue to background the State Liberals and others about division and disunity amongst Labor MPs and Ministers in the wake of this weeks major blow-up. Labor sources, including MPs, Ministers and staffers, continue to leak against and undermine the now seriously besieged Mr Weatherill. Worse still, Labor MPs and Ministers are telling the State Liberals and others that Mr Weatherills public claims this week about Don Farrell entering State Parliament are not correct. Mr Weatherill is desperate for people to believe that he didn t endorse faceless man Don Farrell entering State Parliament; however, even Mr Farrell casts doubt over this version of events. The Advertiser today reported comments made by Mr Farrell: No, I didnt anticipate [Mr Weatherills opposition] I am not going into private discussions, but that was certainly not the impression I got from that meeting. In particular, the State Liberals have been advised that Minister Koutsantonis has been aware of and involved in these discussions for a long period of time, said Mr Lucas. Mr OBrien has stated publicly that the proposed deal had been agreed to by significant players in the Labor Right faction. The State Liberals understand that refers to at least Mr Koutsantonis and Union Boss Peter Malinauskas. If Mr Weatherill doesnt want plotters like Mr OBrien in his now divided and dysfunctional Cabinet, then he must now immediately sack Mr Koutsantonis.
Contact: Rob Lucas 0419 867 196