‘Families more concerned over cost of living than text scandals’, says Dominic Perrottet
Premier Dominic Perrottet has described the texting scandals that have rocked the Morrison Government while dragging in one of his own ministers as “unhelpful”.
NSW
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Premier Dominic Perrottet has described the texting scandals that have rocked the Morrison Government while dragging in one of his own ministers as “unhelpful”.
Facing by-elections in four NSW seats in less than a week, the premier conceded the timing of the leaked texts were not ideal.
However, Mr Perrottet said he believed most people were more concerned with issues such as the cost of living and the resumption of school for their children.
“It’s clearly unhelpful, but it is also what the media is focused about, not what mums and dads are talking about around the dinner table,’ he said.
“They’re more concerned with family budgets, the cost of living, getting kids back to school safely and making ends meet.”
The comments follow the revelation of an alleged text message exchange between former NSW premier Ms Berejiklian and a cabinet minister last week in which an unnamed Liberal MP refers to Scott Morrison as a “psycho” with Ms Berejiklian describing the prime minister as a “horrible, horrible person’.
Ms Berejiklian later said she had no recollection of the text while her factional allies - NSW Treasurer Matt Kean, Foreign Affairs and Women Minister Marise Payne and Arts Minister Paul Fletcher have each denied being the unnamed MP.
It is understood Mr Kean has told Mr Perrottet had a private discussion after rumours began circulating that it might be the moderate powerbroker rather than a federal minister, with Mr Kean reassuring the premier that he was definitely not involved.
The Government is fighting to hold on to the Liberal-held seat of Bega with the departure of popular MP Andrew Constance expected to wipe a personal margin of up to six per cent.
Smelling blood, a conga line of Labor MPs have been visiting the south coast seat in the past few weeks to help Moruya obstetrician Dr Michael Holland take up the fight against Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs.
Over in Strathfield, the Liberals are on the hunt with businesswoman Bridget Sakr hoping to stop Labor candidate Jason Yat-sen Li from taking over the reins from former Labor leader Jodi McKay.
The Nationals are hopeful author Nichole Overall will be able to keep the seat of Monaro in the Coalition stable despite former member John Barilaro also having had his own personal margin.
In Willoughby, Ms Berejiklian has been helping conservative Tim James campaign with the senior executive and industry leader expected to retain with a decreased margin.
In his message to voters, Mr Perrottet said now was the time to continue to support the government help families make ends meet by reducing the cost of living, building the local infrastructure and creating more opportunities for home ownership.
“Labor is a Party without a plan – don’t risk your vote on their inexperience. ”he said.
“With uncertain conditions ahead, stable and experienced leadership is needed to make sure NSW emerges from the pandemic stronger and more resilient than ever.
“At the upcoming by-elections you will have the choice to decide who will carry on the hard work of Gladys Berejiklian, John Barilaro, Andrew Constance and even though we had our political differences, Jodi McKay. And we will stay focused on helping make ends meet by reducing your cost of living, building the local infrastructure you need, delivering the services families rely on every day and creating more opportunities for you to own a home.
Labor leader Chris Minn said the by-elections offered voters the opportunity to send Mr Perrottet a message on his handling of the pandemic.
“It is your chance to make the new Premier Dominic Perrottet listen,” he said.
“If you think he should have listened more on Covid, or are worried what he might do next, make him listen with your vote. Otherwise, what will he do next?
“Because a vote for Dominic Perrottet’s candidate will tell him you’re happy with the job he’s doing and give him the green light to keep going.”
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