Amy Remeikis reports in the Brisbane Times (9.3.16) about the fallout from Cairns MP, Rob Pyne’s, resignation from the government and move to the parliament’s crossbench.
‘Rob Pyne’s desertion of Queensland Labor has revealed growing division within the Palaszczuk Government, with the Premier under pressure to follow through on her threat of calling an early election to rid her caucus of a “dreadful cancer”.
‘Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s minority government was thrown into turmoil on Monday night when Fairfax Media broke the news it had lost its second MP in just over a year, bringing Labor’s numbers in the House on par with the Opposition.
‘There are rumblings of more unhappy backbenchers, with at least three ministerial offices now worried another disgruntled regional MP could potentially follow Mr Pyne out of the party.
‘Mr Pyne has repeatedly said he would continue to support Ms Palaszczuk as premier in any confidence motions, while the LNP has ruled out moving such a motion and has urged the government to “get on with the job of governing”.
‘But the news of Mr Pyne’s resignation, which many in Labor believe was preventable “with the proper care and management”, has revealed deeper grievances within the Party over how matters are being handled.’