South Australia Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond

Day 1: Weatherill Faces Backbench Revolt

Victor P Taffa

L-plate Premier Weatherill faces a backbench revolt on day one with Michael Atkinson demonstrating he has no confidence in Multicultural Affairs Minister Portolesi.

Mr. Weatherill must again be questioning his commitment to promote embattled Minister Portolesi to a senior portfolio, particularly if her own backbenchers don’t have confidence in her.

In extraordinarily embarrassing circumstances for Mr. Weatherill, Labor backbencher Michael Atkinson has submitted a Freedom of Information request to Ms. Portolesi.

Mr. Atkinson’s request, submitted to Ms. Portolesi’s office on 5 July, reads as follows:

“The Ministerial diary of Minister Portolesi from 23 March 2010 to 5 July 2011 or documents that disclose her attendance at multicultural functions in her capacity as Minister and MP in the same period.”

“The Liberal Opposition has been advised that Mr. Atkinson is unhappy with the number of multicultural functions attended by Ms. Portolesi,” Leader of the Opposition Isobel Redmond said.

“If Labor wasn’t so bitterly divided, Mr. Atkinson could simply have a discussion with Ms Portolesi about her attendance at multicultural functions.

“However, Labor Right stalwart Mr. Atkinson can’t even speak directly with Labor Left favourite Ms Portolesi about this matter.” Ms. Redmond said.

“Mr. Weatherill on day one is facing yet more division, disunity and factional infighting within his Labor ranks.”

“Mr. Atkinson’s FOI request is clearly a vote of no confidence in Ms. Portolesi.” Ms. Redmond said.

“We now have a situation where Labor backbenchers are revolting against Labor Ministers.”

“This is the latest in a series of humiliating revelations about the embattled Ms. Portolesi.”

“Our state deserves stability and confidence, but the current climate of instability and distrust is poisonous for South Australia’s future.” Ms. Redmond said.