NSW: My leadership is solid as a rock - Rees

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2009
NSW: My leadership is solid as a rock - Rees

SYDNEY, Dec 1 AAP - NSW Premier Nathan Rees insists his leadership is as "solid as
a rock" amid speculation Treasurer Eric Roozendaal or Frank Sartor were prepared to challenge
for the top job.

Mr Rees emerged from Tuesday's caucus meeting saying there was no talk of leadership
during the almost hour-long talks despite reports of further unrest.

"That didn't happen, quite the reverse," Mr Rees told reporters as he left the caucus room.

Asked about the position of his leadership, the premier replied that it was "solid as a rock".

Mr Rees then attempted to divert talk of leadership woes to Canberra, saying the rise
of Tony Abbott as federal Liberal leader showed the Liberals were moving towards the extremist
right.

He said it followed the NSW Liberals pre-selecting a former One Nation member turned
opposition staffer Chris Spence as a candidate for the 2011 election.

"Tony Abbott's ascension today is an absolute step in the wrong direction for the party,"

he said.

"Given Barry O'Farrell's gone out of his way to select One Nation candidates ... I
think this is a clear step to the extremist right wing element taking over their show."

Mr Roozendaal released a statement early on Tuesday denying he would challenge Mr Rees
for the leadership.

"Nathan Rees has a very tough job and he has my full support," Mr Roozendaal said.

"I am the treasurer and that is the job I enjoy - and my priority is supporting jobs."

The Sydney Morning Herald reported Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid wanted Noreen Hay
to move to the upper house so Mr Roozendaal could run for the lower house seat of Wollongong
and become premier.

AAP nr/evt/

KEYWORD: LABOR NSW UPDATE

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