Coalition Mps Squabble Over Grant Panel Heads

The Age

Tuesday January 23, 2007

MISHA SCHUBERT

A COALITION fight is escalating over the Regional Partnerships grants program, with Liberals threatening a showdown when Parliament resumes next month.

Liberal MP Warren Entsch yesterday accused National DeAnne Kelly of trying to stack local advisory committees with people aligned with her party.

Mrs Kelly, who came under attack from the Opposition three years ago over grants for several questionable projects, is parliamentary secretary to Regional Services Minister Mark Vaile, who has the final say on appointments.

The fresh tension arises amid frustration felt by many regional and rural Liberal MPs about the share of top jobs and regional portfolios controlled by their junior Coalition partner.

The appointment of new heads for several area consultative committees, which make recommendations on grant applications, has stirred tempers.

According to Mr Entsch, Mrs Kelly wanted to replace the chairman of the far north Queensland committee, Robert Blanckensee, with her own candidate, Martin Lee. He said Mr Lee was closely associated with the Nationals candidate for the seat of Leichhardt, Ian Crossland.

"He's an OK guy, he's a friend of mine, but I object strongly to people like Deanne Kelly coming in and putting people in," he said.

Mr Entsch said he had complained to the Prime Minister's office, and Mr Lee was subsequently appointed deputy chairman instead.

© 2007 The Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home