Ute Gate Political Scandal

A DEFENSIVE Malcolm Turnbull has sought to avoid creating a double dissolution trigger by supporting the Government’s alcopops tax hike and postponing a showdown on the emissions trading scheme until August.

“We must not be shy or reserved,” the Opposition Leader told the Coalition parties’ meeting in Canberra today. “Our attacks are based on information, it’s our job as opposition to continue the attack.”

But Mr Turnbull had already been forced to concede his attack on the Prime Minister for misleading parliament over the OzCar affair could not be sustained.

“There is no doubt about that,” he admitted on ABC Radio.

He was further embarrassed when he admitted speaking to the senior public servant at the centre of the row, Godwin Grech.

Mr Turnbull’s authority was weakened yesterday when four Coalition MPs crossed the floor to oppose the alcopops tax increase.

It received a further blow today when a defiant Nationals’ Senate leader Barnaby Joyce said he could not support the measure.

“I won’t be voting for it,” he said. “I think you should stick to your position.”

Coalition MPs told today’s meeting that the Opposition “must stand for something”.

As the Opposition tried to switch the focus to Treasurer Wayne Swan, the Prime Minister continued his efforts to raise doubts about Mr Turnbull’s credibility.

“Mr Turnbull’s integrity, I believe, has been fundamentally undermined,” Mr Rudd said at a media event earlier this afternoon.

He continued his attack in question time, accusing Mr Turnbull of desperately “changing tack”.

“The only responsible thing for him to do in this parliament today is to resign,” Mr Rudd said.

*Source Christian Kerr | The Australian