Liberal backbenchers are considering calling a meeting to discuss the direction of the team, with speculation rife about Prime Minister Tony Abbotts leadership following his decision to make Prince Philip a knight. One MP, who did not want to be named, said there was serious and real discussion about getting the backbench together over coming weeks. The MP likened the move to cricket, saying if the captain made as many bad picks as Mr Abbott had, you could expect the players to want to call a meeting to discuss the direction of the team. The MP said the decision to knight Prince Philip, in an apparent violation of Mr Abbotts own pledge that knights and dames would be for pre-eminent Australians, was a total disaster. Hes doing whatever the hell he wants in a self-indulgent fashion and everyone is deeply embarrassed, the MP said. Liberals are turning on Tony Abbott. Theres a changing climate, things are very serious, theyre progressing and progressing very fast. The MP said Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was a likely option to replace Mr Abbott but other candidates are possible in the current climate. Mr Abbott is not facing the imminent threat of a challenge. Another government MP, who also did not want to be named, said Mr Abbott needed to start better listening to the community and his backbench. The MP warned hes going down unless he changes his leadership style. A third MP confirmed there are rumblings in the camp. Several MPs said they were getting hammered by Liberal Party branch members at meetings about Mr Abbotts performance. Nearly half a dozen complained about Mr Abbotts office, saying it failed to communicate with the backbench or cabinet. Queensland Liberal National Senator Matt Cananvan told Fairfax Media on Tuesday: Ive seen us kick more own goals over summer than Ive seen in the Asian Cup. Mr Abbott confirmed on Australia Day that his decision to knight Prince Philip was another captains pick, which to date have included his paid parental leave scheme, attempt to slash Medicare rebates by $20, and restoration of knights and dames. Senior ministers defended Mr Abbotts knighthood decision on Tuesday but stressed they were not involved. Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Senator Michaelia Cash, told Fairfax Media Prince Philip was deserving of a knighthood because of the thousands of Australians have completed the Duke of Edinburgh award. As the Prime Minister said yesterday that was his choice, so youd need to ask the Prime Minister, she said. Senator Cash denied there were implications for Mr Abbotts leadership: Absolutely not, just look at our record of achievement, she said. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann also confirmed he was not consulted but brushed aside criticism of the Prime Minister. I dont agree that there are growing concerns about the Prime Ministers leadership, Mr Cormann told ABC radio. The Prime Minister has got the strong support of his party room. The Prime Ministers done an outstanding job for Australia and as leader of the Liberal Party now for more than five years. Queensland Liberal National backbencher Ewen Jones led the immediate backbench criticism of Mr Abbott on Australia Day but on Tuesday said it was certainly not a leadership thing. This has nothing to do with the government, this has nothing to do with the party, everyone knows where Tony Abbott sits with the monarchy, he said. I dont want to take away from what Prince Philip has done but hes not Australian. Mr Jones said while he didnt support restoring knights and dames he noted there was broad support in his electorate for awarding the titles to governors-generals. Mr Jones said it was up to Mr Abbott to determine whether this became a defining moment or not even a footnote and said the situation could be resolved by returning to core business.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 00:02:48 +0000
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