http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/premier-urges-gillard-to-lead-on...

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has urged Julia Gillard to start showing leadership on "the big issues" – or step aside and call an early election.

Speaking in the wake of Thursday's extraordinary spill, Dr Napthine – who replaced Ted Baillieu as Liberal leader earlier this month – said voters were tired of governments ripped apart by internal division.

"(People) want strong leadership," he said. "They don't want a government that's torn apart by self interest, torn apart by factional brawls... Now it's up to the Prime Minister to put all that behind her and get on with the job, and if she can't do that, then she should step aside and call an early election."

Since becoming Premier less than three weeks ago, Dr Napthine has signalled a more co-operative approach with the Commonwealth, following months of deepening tensions between the state and federal governments.

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He said if Ms Gillard was able to get past the internal woes plaguing the Labor Party, Victoria would continue negotiating with Canberra on key reforms such as the Gonski schools funding review and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Dnarever wrote on Mar 24^th, 2013 at 6:43pm:


Pretend or not - he is leader

AND

Chances are she'll lose her leadership before he will

Sir Spot of Borg wrote on Mar 25^th, 2013 at 6:11am:


You wish! The only reason no one challenged her is because no one else wants the job because of the upcoming electoral slaughter that awaits the Labor Party. Once we have Abbott as PM in September, then we'll see the challengers come out of the woodwork as they start to rebuild what's left of the ALP.