Plibersek hoses down leadership speculation
Image: Federal Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek
Federal Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek has rejected relentless speculation about the Labor leadership, which has now encompassed Ms Plibersek herself.
While most of the speculation over Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s future has hinged on the ambitions of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, the conjecture has grown to include several other ALP figures, including Ms Plibersek, who is the Federal Minister for Health.
Social media has been a particular source of speculation. Among those taking to Twitter to advance Ms Plibersek as Labor leader was Alan Kohler, the former Fairfax editor who regularly appears on ABC-TV’s Inside Business.
“I’d like to see @tanya_plibersek up for the leadership,” Mr Kohler tweeted last Wednesday.
Other Twitter comments included those by Fredric Holten, who lambasted Labor for under-utilising Ms Plibersek. “If caucus had vision, they would elevate a leader. Vote 1 @tanya_plibersek,” he tweeted.
Discussion of Ms Plibersek as a potential Labor leader also made it to Channel Ten’s The Project, while Ms Plibersek’s opponent in Sydney, Liberal candidate Sean O’Connor, called on the Member for Sydney to clear the air.
“The Labor caucus must resolve this ongoing instability,” said Mr O’Connor on Monday. “Tanya is part of that caucus.”
Ms Plibersek attempted to do exactly that, telling City News this week she had no ambitions to challenge Ms Gillard for the top job.
“I fully support the Prime Minister,” Ms Plibersek insisted.
“I have no intention of seeking or accepting the Labor leadership. The Prime Minister is an impressive leader who gets things done and she has my full support.
“She dismantled WorkChoices and put a price on carbon pollution, and now she will build a National Disability Insurance Scheme and a fairer way to fund our schools.”
Ms Plibersek said her inner Sydney constituents wanted a positive plan for the future, including “a strong economy which doesn’t leave anyone behind”.
“The Gillard Government has maintained low unemployment, inflation and interest rates at the same time as delivering historic new investment in health and education,” she said.
“A re-elected Gillard Government will keep Australians in work while making the right choices for the future through the National Broadband Network, the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the Gonski school funding reforms.”
Ms Plibersek said this contrasted sharply with what an Abbott Government would offer.
“Mr Abbott has no plans for the future, only relentless negativity,” she claimed.
But Mr O’Connor – who will face an uphill battle to unseat Ms Plibersek, who holds the seat by a 15 per cent margin – said the opposition had already released their plans in detail.
“Let’s look at the facts,” he said. “The Coalition has already released more than 40 policies.
“Last month we released our plan, Real Solutions For All Australians, which outlines our directions, values and policy priorities that are focused on building a strong and prosperous economy, and a safe and secure Australia.”
Mr O’Connor claimed the ALP was being sidetracked by internal party wrangling, unlike the Liberals, who he said were focused on the needs of voters.
“Instead of navel gazing we are listening to the people of Sydney and responding to the real needs they face.”
The federal election will be held on Saturday, September 14.
