Editorial | At a time when NSW is battling a pandemic and a recession, the last thing we needed was the crisis manufactured by the NSW Nationals leader
At a time when NSW is battling a global pandemic and the first economic recession in three decades, the last thing we needed was the crisis manufactured by NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro this week about the minutiae of the state’s policy on koalas.
Similar brinkmanship and hyperbole have sometimes worked for Mr Barilaro in the past, winning him concessions on issues from water rights to land clearing to electricity privatisation. Yet Mr Barilaro provoked conflict by wilfully exaggerating its impact on rural property owners. He refused to accept an assurance from Ms Berejiklian that she was open to discussing any technical improvements and despite the fact the minister responsible, Planning Minister Rob Stokes, had been talking with affected parties for months.
Of course, it’s easy to see this is not really about koalas. It is part of a broader strategy where Mr Barilaro pretends he is in opposition, attacking the city slickers on Macquarie Street over policies that he says threatens his party’s constituents in the bush. Certainly the Nationals should push the interests of regional voters but they cannot use guerilla tactics or, indeed, open rebellion to undermine established government policy.
This tension seems destined to hang over what has otherwise been a successful government response to the difficult events of the past 12 months.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Coalition crisis over koala war: Premier gives Nationals ultimatumThe Berejiklian government has been plunged into crisis after the NSW Nationals voted not to support any government legislation until their demands over the koala planning policy are met.
Read more »
Premier gives ultimatum to NSW Nationals over koala policy stoushNSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has issued Nationals leader and Deputy Premier John Barilaro and the members of his party an ultimatum to either stand with her or sit on the crossbench.
Read more »
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian delivers deadline for Nationals to stand down from koala policy protestNSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has delivered an ultimatum to NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro urging him to stand down from his protest against the government's changes to the koala protection policy.
Read more »
Live: NSW Now: Coronavirus alert in Sydney's east, Nationals threaten to resign over koala policyMORNING BRIEFING: NSW Health is warning two infectious people visited the Eastern Suburbs Legion Club in Waverley several times while infectious, while John Barilaro has threatened NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian with the resignation of National MPs over koala policy.
Read more »
Nationals ministers should 'resign immediately' amid koala row: legal expertsTop legal experts say NSW National MPs, including Deputy Premier John Barilaro, should resign immediately as ministers after vowing not to support government bills until their demands over state planning policy are met | MWhitbourn
Read more »
NSW Government in crisis as Nationals move to crossbench over koala policyThe NSW Government is in crisis after the Nationals announced they would not support government legislation.
Read more »