Victoria's new premier will seek to secure the support independent MP Geoff Shaw. Source: AAP
VICTORIA'S new premier Denis Napthine wants to heal the rift between the state government and Canberra.
Under former premier Ted Baillieu, relations with Prime Minister Julia Gillard's government have been bitter, particularly on the health and education front.
"I would very much like to have a better relationship with the federal government," Dr Napthine said during his first press conference as premier.
"It's in the best interests of all Victorians if we have a constructive working relationship between the federal and state governments."
Dr Napthine urged Ms Gillard to reinstate in full $475 million removed from the state's hospitals over four years due to revised population figures.
The federal government restored $107 million, or one year's worth, of the funding last month.
"One of the first things that Prime Minister Julia Gillard could do to enhance that working relationship is restore the full funding that was withdrawn from Victorian hospitals," Dr Napthine said.
Dr Napthine was sworn in as the state's new premier on Wednesday night after Mr Baillieu quit.
Mr Baillieu will remain in parliament on the government backbench.
Dr Napthine said he decided to nominate for Mr Baillieu's job on Wednesday afternoon after the former premier decided that he no longer had his colleagues' backing.
He said he did not go into Mr Baillieu's office and tap him on the shoulder.
"I went in and spoke to Mr Baillieu and offered him my support for him to continue in the role," Dr Napthine said.
The numbers on the floor of the parliament are now 44 to the coalition, and 42 to Labor, which will likely increase to 43 after the April 27 by-election for Lyndhurst, a safe Labor seat.
The unknown factor is now independent MP Geoff Shaw, who - less than an hour before Mr Baillieu resigned - blamed the premier's leadership for his decision to quit the Liberals.
Dr Napthine said he planned to have discussions with Mr Shaw but refused to be drawn on whether he would welcome him back into the Liberal fold.
He said he was unaware whether it was the case that Mr Shaw threatened to block key legislation, including the budget, if Mr Baillieu remained leader.
Dr Napthine said he had no plans to alter abortion laws, amid rumours Mr Shaw was pushing for change.
"The parliament of Victoria has made a decision with respect to abortion laws in this state. I respect the decision of the parliament," he said.
Dr Napthine said he had not made a succession deal with Planning Minister Matthew Guy, who was once his chief of staff and is widely considered a future leader.
He said he spoke with Mr Guy after Wednesday's partyroom meeting around lunchtime "in general terms".
"I recognise in Matthew a man of great talent and great skill," Dr Napthine said.
"So Matthew Guy is also a close personal friend and colleague."
Dr Napthine said he would provide good, strong and stable government.
"The last person who was described as a stop-gap premier was Sir Henry Bolte who stayed for 17 years."
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Napthine wants ceasefire with Canberra
Dengan url
http://beritasementara.blogspot.com/2013/03/napthine-wants-ceasefire-with-canberra.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Napthine wants ceasefire with Canberra
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Napthine wants ceasefire with Canberra
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar