THE political wrangling in Macquarie Street looks set to continue long after the Liberal Party’s leadership ballot this afternoon, as influential crossbench members look to stake their claim on the new Premier.
Shooters and Fishers Party members hold the balance of power in the Upper House, and have stalled key Coalition reforms to planning legislation and the controversial "one punch" laws.
Shooters MLC Robert Brown is still fuming over fallen premier Barry O’Farrell’s decision to abolish the Game Council of NSW, which was responsible for licensing recreational hunters.
He welcomed the prospect of new leadership in the lead-up to next year’s election.
“We look forward to being free of a control freak of a premier and dealing with someone who is more amenable,” Mr Brown said.
“I don’t care who (the new premier) is, as long as it's someone who can be trusted.”
Mr Brown said the Shooters and the National Party was sidelined by the O’Farrell government’s key regional issues including native vegetation.
“The Nats didn’t have the numbers to be able to do Barry over, but under a new premier they might be able to get some co-operation.”
Mr Brown said he would also seek further discussions with the new leadership on the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Mike Foley
Senior journalist for The Land.
Senior journalist for The Land.
