The crucifixion of Peter Garrett continues, with the “will he or won’t he get the flick?” question being debated by pundits across the weekend.
In light of the recent news that Garrett only saw the damning risk assessment of the roofing insulation scheme just 10 days ago — despite it being sent to his department 10 months ago, is this the tipping point for Garrett? Or will Rudd keep him on to avoid giving scraps to Abbott?
The Australian
Matthew Franklin: Garrett lined up to take a fall
So the Prime Minister has kept Garrett on to take more bullets, perhaps realising that if he sacked his minister, the spotlight might suddenly shine on the real culprits in the cabinet room.
David Burchell: A modern Moses with beliefs set in stone
If there was ever an example of how an unquestioned good heart and political irresponsibility of the most abject kind can travel hand in hand – like two heedless child-lovers out of a Medieval chivalry romance – surely this is it.
Editorial: Lessons for Labor from a failed exercise
But Kevin Rudd may be able to rescue something from the mess if he treats it as a wake-up call on his administration.
Sydney Morning Herald
Phillip Coorey: Like for like, Coalition has little to gloat about
Rudd believes Garrett responded appropriately as problems arose and should not be sacked… Election-year politics may eventually force Rudd’s hand.
Courier-Mail
Dennis Atkins: Tiger’s crocodile tears, and Garrett’s stony silence
…many Australians regarded Garrett as someone not like other politicians, who didn’t use weasel words and didn’t dissemble and spin.
National Times:
Paul Daley: Garrett may be a species deceases
That is why making Garrett the scapegoat for what was effectively a whole of government policy would set a dangerous precedent for Rudd that he is likely to avoid if possible.
Herald Sun
Laurie Oakes: Disaster leaves Garrett hanging
It would have had nothing to do with Garrett’s performance as a minister, nothing to do with his competence. And everything to do with raw, brutal politics.
The reason Rudd keeps him on is so he can be insulated from having to take questions or appear to be responsible for this mess. He won’t want Garrett anywhere else but right where he is, taking the bullets and keeping Rudd out of it. Even though Rudd obviously would have been just as aware as Garrett of all the warnings that were issued. The programme was worth $2.5 billion and everything has to go by the PMs office. Rudd should be taking just as much responsibiliity for this as Garrett if not more. It was Rudd who was in the rush to roll this out the door, with out the homework and concerns being adhered to.
When we start building a large wooden cross-THEN refer to ‘crucifixion’ !!
NOW who’s talking about overkill?
Gawd.
Wow the coalition showing concern for work place safety, is that a sign of a new partnership with the unions? I think not. There are approximately 150 deaths in the work place every year and everyone a tragedy. It is ridiculous to suggest sacking a minister every time someone within his/her portfolio dies, especially when they weren’t following correct procedures. Its the employers that need disciplinary action.
Blood’s in the water.
BattBoy is D.E.A.D.
Rudd will sacrifice Garrett to save his political skin.
And hopefully the era of celebrity politics will be buried along with him.
sasd but true think we now need a fresh face in the gov. looks better at question time
per haps maxine