If the NSW Coalition can almost fall apart over a juvenile spat, the leader must take change and reassert his authority.
The barely known upper house NSW Nationals MP Wes Fang likes to boast to colleagues that he is a more effective operator in opposition than in government. Just as well, because his behaviour will help keep the Coalition out of power in NSW.
Perhaps Speakman could have paid Fang a visit, sent him a text to say he was in town, or even had his office make a courtesy call. Beyond being polite, the opposition leader had no formal obligation. Fang is not the local elected member. He simply lives in Wagga . Speakman was none too pleased and demanded Nationals leader Dugald Saunders, a close ally of Fang’s, demote the recalcitrant MP from the most junior of junior frontbench positions. Saunders refused, so the Liberals floated the idea of splitting from the Nationals – that is, of ending the state Coalition’s 97-year marriage of convenience.
Fang is known for his outbursts in the chamber, which are often aimed at his own side. Senior Liberals in the upper house are aghast that his behaviour, especially towards Liberal MP Aileen MacDonald, has been allowed to continue. He regularly interjects when she is talking, and scoffs at the points she is making. Nasty swipes at opponents are one thing in politics; targeting your own is another.
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