Premier Campbell Newman has sensationally sacked Assistant Health Minister Chris Davis from his Cabinet.
Mr Newman said he advised Mr Davis of his sacking in on Tuesday afternoon.
“Dr Davis’s recent actions have breached the long-established Westminster convention of cabinet solidarity and made his position untenable,” Mr Newman said in a statement released on Tuesday evening.
“I thank Dr Davis for the contribution he has made in the role, and look forward to his continuing contribution to the government’s efforts on behalf of his constituents.”
Mr Newman timed the announcement shortly before federal Treasurer Joe Hockey was due to deliver the federal budget.
Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said the timing of the annoucement was “weak”.
“This method of announcement is a sneaky political manoeuvre designed to avoid scrutiny over his government’s failings,” she said.
“The fact there is a need for an announcement at all shows the dysfunctional government this premier runs and his absolute inability to work constructively with those who hold alternative views to his own.
A spokesman for the Premier said a meeting between Mr Newman and Dr Davis, which was initiated by Dr Davis, finished about 5.30pm and the announcement was made as quickly as possible.
Dr Davis recently spoke out against proposed changes to the Crime and Misconduct Commission, and earlier this year had criticised Queensland Health’s controversial contracts for senior medical officers.
Dr Davis is a former Australian Medical Association state president and first-term MP for the Brisbane seat of Stafford. He says he paid the price for speaking out and not maintaining Cabinet solidarity.
Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Statement from the Premier
I have this afternoon advised the Member for Stafford, Chris Davis, that effective immediately I have terminated his appointment as Assistant Health Minister.
Dr Davis’ recent actions have breached the long-established Westminster convention of cabinet solidarity and made his position untenable.
I thank Dr Davis for the contribution he has made in the role, and look forward to his continuing contribution to the government’s efforts on behalf of his constituents.
Statement from Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk
Post on 13 May 2014 by Annastacia Palaszczuk
There is only one word that describes the Premier’s actions in sacking his Assistant Health Minister one hour before the Federal Budget is handed down: weak.
This method of announcement is a sneaky political manoeuvre designed to avoid scrutiny over his Government’s failings. The fact there is a need for an announcement at all shows the dysfunctional Government this Premier runs and his absolute inability to work constructively with those who hold alternative views to his own.
Given Treasurer Tim Nicholls’ support of Dr Davis last week, the day after he spoke out against the LNP changes to the CMC, the Premier must honestly reveal the real reasons behind this decision.
Queenslanders I speak to everyday tell me how arrogant this Premier is, and today’s antics prove that point.
(ABC, 8 May 2014)
Treasurer Tim Nicholls has played down the concerns raised by Dr Davis.
“[Dr] Davis holds his views – I noticed that he supported the Government’s legislation last night as you would expect,” he said.
“This is a Parliament – the LNP, as famously said by our former prime minister, is a broad church.
“We welcome a proper debate on all issues.”