NSW: Rees tells plotting MPs to get back to work

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2009
NSW: Rees tells plotting MPs to get back to work

SYDNEY, Aug 12 AAP - NSW Premier Nathan Rees says he has let certain MPs know they
need to concentrate on working for their electorates rather than on plans to dump him
as leader.

Mr Rees would not be drawn on who he has spoken with in recent days amid speculation
of a plot to dump him as premier and replace him with Health Minister John Della Bosca.

But after last week confessing he knew who was involved in destabilising his leadership,
the premier confirmed he'd had talks with some MPs.

"There's been, over recent days, a number of calm, considered discussions with my colleagues,"

Mr Rees told reporters on Wednesday.

"I've made it very clear my view, and that is people need to be 100 per cent focused
on delivering for the community.

"That is all we have time for, and that needs to be the case."

Mr Rees is believed to have met with key ministers and other senior MPs over internal
polling which discredits other leadership hopefuls.

However, it's understood one of the aspirants, former planning minister Frank Sartor
was not involved in the discussions.

Asked if he was happy with the outcome of the talks, Mr Rees said: "I think I've put
the party in a position that makes it very clear that I expect 100 per cent commitment
to the delivery of services for the people of NSW."

"I'm unequivocal on that. I've been very clear on that, and that's the case."

Mr Rees also again played down suggestions of a cabinet reshuffle amid reports Police
Minister Tony Kelly and Primary Services Minister Ian Macdonald were in line to be demoted.

The two ministers are said to be behind a push to remove Mr Rees.

"All my ministerial colleagues enjoy my confidence, and there is no reshuffle in order
to punish anyone," Mr Rees said.

"I have confidence in my ministers and I expect everyone to be working for the community,
and as long as that remains the case I'm happy."

AAP nr/evt/jl

KEYWORD: LABOR NSW

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