THE federal leadership spill is a “ghastly spectacle” Calare MP Andrew Gee says amid debate on just who should be the countrys Prime Minister.
With a Liberal party room meeting set for midday on Friday, Australia looks certain to have a new Prime Minster.
Nationals member Mr Gee spoke to Fairfax Media about what he says is a “deep sense of disappointment and anger” over the situation.
“Its a huge and disappointing distraction, especially when were going through the worst drought in living memory and it detracts from the important issues facing Australia,” he said.
“Weve seen a lot of egos at play, weve seen fall-out from previous leadership contests at play, weve seen ancient grudges being aired and I think this has really been years in the making and its a ghastly spectacle.
“I think the savagery of it has appalled many people.”
Its a huge and disappointing distraction, especially when were going through the worst drought in living memory and it detracts from the important issues facing Australia.
Calare MP Andrew Gee
Mr Gee said the ongoing talk of a leadership spill was very bad for the country.
“Its bad for the country generally and I think that when parties engage in these factional power plays its very easy to lose sight of the fact that there is a wider national interest here,” he said.
“We have a national economy and it can be damaged easily with this uncertainty.”
Mr Gee said while Nationals members such as himself will not get a say on who the next Prime Minister should be, he said the party was very focused on what was best in the countrys interests.
“Theres an overwhelming feeling of disappointment and anger with respect to the shenanigans of our Coalition cousins, but we are now focused on how we can get the best outcome for country Australia,” he said.
Theres an overwhelming feeling of disappointment and anger with respect to the shenanigans of our Coalition cousins, but we are now focused on how we can get the best outcome for country Australia.
Calare MP Andrew Gee
“Were actually going through the issues of what needs to happen after a new Liberal leader is elected and importantly were trying to sort out if we can form a coalition and if so what that coalition will look like.”
Mr Gee said the issues that are impacting country Australia will be raised with the incoming Liberal leader in discussions on whether a coalition can be formed.
“On top of my list is drought relief and I put that forward as the highest priority, but Ive also been actively pushing for mobile phone blackspot funding and also better regional infrastructure.
“Before anyone rushes off to see the Governor General, theyre going to have to sit down and have a discussion with us.
“Nothing is certain at this point and we wont be able to start those conversations until our Coalition cousins sort themselves out.”
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Nyngan Observer
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