A LABOR MP opposed to Greens MPs in Cabinet is supported by his brother who claims if the Greens leader was education minister it would be a “stone age brainwash train wreck”. Premier David Bartlett said on Tuesday morning Labor MPs had voted “unanimously” for him to consider Greens and independent MLCs as ministers in cabinet.
However, as recently as Sunday night Braddon Labor MP Brenton Best noted on his Facebook he “will only be supporting Labor ministers”.
It is understood Mr Best was not alone.
Even after the meeting of Labor MPs, Mr Best’s Facebook comments opposed a Greens MP.
His comments got broad support on-line, with unionist Mitchell Best, Brenton’s brother, then posting: “I certainly don’t want (Greens leader Nick) McKim in charge of my young bloke’s education – it will be a stone age brainwash train wreck”.
The behind-the-scenes ALP opposition to Greens ministers follows an ultimatum from Treasurer Michael Aird before the state election that he would not be part of a cabinet with Greens MPs.
Since then ex-premier Paul Lennon said Mr McKim should be given the education portfolio in the interest of stable government and making the Greens accountable.
Mr Best told The Advocate yesterday “I stated my position” at the meeting of Labor MPs, which he chaired.
Liberal deputy leader Jeremy Rockliff said Mr Best “might well have been muzzled” by his party after objecting to Greens ministers.
ABC Online: Libs seize on Best’s Labor-only support, HERE
David Bartlett MR:
Formation of Government moves ahead
Premier David Bartlett said today work was continuing with the Greens on how a minority Labor Government could deliver stable government for Tasmania for the next four years.
That work has gone on today and tomorrow morning Deputy Premier Lara Giddings and I will meet Greens leader Nick McKim and another Greens MP for further discussions.
Nick McKim:
mps.tas.greens.org.au
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that by mutual arrangement there would not be a meeting today between he and Mr Bartlett, but a meeting will be held in Mr Bartlett’s office 9am tomorrow morning.
Mr McKim said that discussions are still underway.
Due to other commitments, Mr McKim will be unavailable for further comment today.
