Jan Stuckey and Karen Andrews had a ‘heated exchange’ in front of Elanora students
TOURISM Minister Jann Stuckey and her fellow conservative Federal MP Karen Andrews have come to verbal blows, shocking students at a school ceremony.
Gold Coast
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VOLATILE Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey and her fellow conservative Federal MP Karen Andrews have come to verbal blows, shocking students at a school ceremony.
The Currumbin MP and the Federal McPherson MP had been invited to a student leaders induction ceremony at the Elanora State Primary School about 9.30am yesterday.
Onlookers contacted the Bulletin expressing shock as the pair took part in a “heated exchange” in front of the young students.
An onlooker said Ms Stuckey had objected to a staffer from Ms Andrews’ office taking a photograph of her.
At one stage she held up a book to cover her face from being photographed. She is believed to have told the staffer: “I forbid you to take my picture”.
Ms Andrews confronted Ms Stuckey about how she had spoken to her staffer.
“I could not believe what I was seeing, given it was a presentation morning attended by parents, students, teachers and carers,” said the onlooker.
Ms Stuckey would not comment on the matter, other than to say she had been happy to attend the event.
Education officials have declined to comment but a spokesman indicated no complaint had been made.
When contacted by the Bulletin, Ms Andrews’ office issued a statement saying the disagreement was over a matter of protocol.
“The Minister raised an issue of protocol and the school correctly sought advice on proper procedure,” the statement read. “It was confirmed that there was no issue that needed to be addressed.”
The protocol is understood to be Education Minister John Paul Langbroek’s ban on Federal MPs using schools for publicity purposes during last year’s federal election.
Ms Stuckey was instrumental in Ms Andrews gaining preselection in 2009, leading to winning the federal seat of McPherson in 2010. But sources suggest their relationship has since deteriorated.
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