not spoiled for choice in Cabinet reshuffle
Archer should be moved on
will Michael Ferguson get?
Peter Gutwein will unveil
his new cabinet tomorrow, and must not miss the chance to remove non-performers
from their portfolios.
Labor Member for Braddon
Shane Broad said the biggest challenge for the new Premier would be finding
candidates for ministries in a shallow talent pool.
“Peter Gutwein has indicated
there’ll be only minor changes to his cabinet, which is probably because he has
nowhere to go. But he can’t avoid addressing issues with those ministers who
are not in control of their portfolios.
“Mark Shelton is a shambolic
Parliamentary performer, but more concerning is his apparent lack of awareness
of issues within his portfolio, particularly the concerns we’re hearing coming
out of the Tasmania Fire Service.
“Elise Archer has lost the
confidence of correctional officers after lying about violence in Risdon Prison
over the Christmas period, on top of a protracted dispute about pay and work
conditions. The government’s ‘tough on crime’ approach hasn’t been matched by
an increase in staff and resources at the prison, resulting in dangerous
working conditions for staff.
“She’s also badly misjudged
the Westbury community and faces outrage over the government’s botched
consultation on the maximum security Westbury prison.
“Elise Archer might actually
thank the new Premier for handing on these problems to someone else to mop up.”
Dr Broad said the cabinet
reshuffle would reveal what promises had been made and what deals done so that
Peter Gutwein could secure the top job.
“Jeremy Rockliff will be
safe and Michael Ferguson will no doubt be rewarded for dumping his leadership
bid at the 11th hour.
“Nobody will blame Peter Gutwein for sending a message to poor performing minsters by removing them from their portfolios.
“He’ll have a honeymoon period as a new Premier, but it won’t last long. And if he fails to act now, he will regret not making changes when he had the chance.”
Shane Broad
Labor Member for Braddon
