Backbench revolt triggers calls for Malcolm Turnbull to stand down

A backbench revolt over the appointment of Malcolm Turnbull to a state government “green” board has led to calls for the former PM turn down the post.

A backbench revolt over the appointment of Malcolm Turnbull as chair of a state government “green” board has led to one Liberal minister suggesting the former prime minister turn down the post.

Liberal and Nationals MPs are in open warfare over the appointment of Mr Turnbull as chair of the NSW Net-Zero Emissions and Clean Economy Board, with their anger fuelled by his call for the government to freeze new coal mine approvals.

The appointment of Malcolm Turnbull as chair of the NSW Net-Zero Emissions and Clean Economy Board has not gone down well in some Liberal Party circles Picture: AAP Image

The furore has led to Nationals leader John Barilaro, who is facing the loss of the seat of Upper Hunter over the posting, to publicly attack his Coalition partners despite facing accusations from senior Liberals that he failed to try to block the appointment.

It can now be revealed Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott believes Mr Turnbull should stand down, given the MP revolt.

There is also talk one of the opposing MPs may move a motion at the next party room meeting to reverse the decision.

While Mr Elliott would not comment, a Liberal source close to the minister said the Centre Right MP had suggested to colleagues that Mr Turnbull stand down from the job “for the good of the government”.

“In calming a furious backbench, Elliott has suggested Turnbull should decline the appointment for the good of the government,” the source said.

National leader John Barilaro says coal is here to stay. Picture: Adam Yip

The source said Mr Elliott had also told a Centre Right teleconference the ex-prime minister should “start behaving more like Julie Gillard and less like Kevin Rudd”.

With mining jobs set to dominate the upcoming Upper Hunter by-election, the Nationals are desperate to distance themselves from the appointment to retain the marginal seat.

Mr Barilaro on Saturday declared mining was “not going anywhere” and urged Mr Turnbull to “acquaint himself” with this fact.

However, the comments have angered some Liberals, who note it was Cabinet — not just Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean — that approved the appointment.

It is understood Mr Elliott and Corrections Minister Anthony Roberts were the only two ministers to raise concerns.

One angry Liberal claimed Mr Barilaro had even stated Malcolm was “the best man for the job” when it was raised, an allegation senior Nationals declared was not true.

“The position is so insignificant to care,” one National said. “However, we are happy to watch the Libs pulled themselves apart over it.”

Police and Emergency Services David Elliott says Turnbull should stand down for the good of the government. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

Along with Heathcote MP Lee Evans, The Sauce can reveal other backbenchers who have been inundated with calls and emails from angry locals include Wollondilly MP Nat Smith, Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies, Upper House MP Scott Farlow, Castle Hill MP Ray Williams, Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman and Oatley MP Mark Coure.

“(Turnbull) doesn’t represent the Liberal base,” one Liberal MP said. “It’s a divisive appointment.”

Another Liberal MP accused Cabinet of being “out of touch”.

“We have a Cabinet not in touch with reality,” the MP said. “What were they thinking?”

SECRET FILES

If there was one person who knew all the secrets within Parliament House, it
was former chief security officer Alan Beverstock.

“Bevo”, as he was known by pollies and Macquarie Street staffers alike, was one of the original parliamentary security officers, before the roles were replaced with NSW
Police “special constables”.

Former chief security officer at Parliament House Alan Beverstock

The former Northern Territory cop was the man in charge when anything “untoward” happened in the House — like the time splattered blood and other bizarre items were found in the office of a then high-profile politician.

Bevo worked closely with intelligence agencies — understandable given the risks posed to elected MPs — although the arrangement most likely made some pollies nervous. After all, he knew where the bodies were buried.

Bevo moved to Airlie Beach in Queensland after retiring from the job in the late 1990s, taking his boat with him.

A Berejiklian government minister who stayed in touch with Bevo said he also took his filing cabinets.

“Being a former cop, he always like to file away notes and he kept them all,” the minister said.

Bevo passed away week after a short illness. He was 79.

But far from taking his secrets to the grave, The Sauce understands he has left his filing cabinets to his ministerial friend — a move that will undoubtedly leave more than a few former pollies in a sweat.

GROUNDED MINISTER

Travel agents will soon be applying a no-refund policy when it comes to booking trips for Police Minister David Elliott.

After a 24-hour trip to London, Elliott had to fly back to attend to the state’s bushfire crisis last year.

COVID has cruelled another trip for David Elliott and his wife Nicole.

The Baulkham Hills MP had to later cancel holidays in Noosa as a result of the Queensland border closure.

Thinking the worst was over, Elliott booked another holiday to the Gold Coast, to celebrate his 25-year wedding anniversary to Nicole … only for COVID to strike again.

“I will never be allowed in to a travel agency again,” he said.

“The most I’ve had in a holiday since the election is 24 hours in London — the most expensive day trip in Flight Centre’s history.”

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