Queensland’s sacked assistant health minister will remain a member of the Liberal National Party despite speaking out against aspects of the government’s agenda.
There had been speculation Chris Davis could be kicked out of the LNP after a party room meeting on Monday.
The Member for Stafford was stripped of his cabinet position last week after speaking out on subjects including changes to the Crime and Misconduct Commission and new work contracts for doctors.
Dr Davis has since claimed concerns he raised with Premier Campbell Newman about plans to ease restrictions on political donations were a factor in his sacking.
Mr Newman has rejected Dr Davis’s claims.
After a party room meeting on Monday, Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said Dr Davis would remain a member of the party.
“The party room has had a long discussion about the need for unity in politics. We’ve had discussions about the processes that are essential for political parties to operate and Dr Davis has apologised to the party room and accepted those are the processes within which he must work,” Mr Seeney said.
“I think it’s been made very clear to everybody … the processes that are necessary for political parties to operate.
“Everybody has an opportunity to contribute to the debate in the party room and we will make sure that everybody does have that opportunity, and that’s the place for the debate.”
Dr Davis said he had acknowledged any “distress” his comments may have caused.
“Essentially the discussion was around how we all as parliamentarians can serve our electorate and take on board the messages from the electorate,” he said.
Dr Davis indicated he would stand for the LNP at the next election “with the support of the electrorate and the LNP”.
“I will keep representing my electorate and I will speaking out within the party room and working hopefully a lot more effectively within the party room,” he said.
Earlier on Monday, several LNP ministers publicly chastised the doctor for his public statements.
“What Chris has to realise is that if you continue to cry wolf, you’ll eventually lose credibility,” Housing Minister Tim Mander told reporters.
“It’s no good roaring like a lion in public and being as meek as a mouse in the party room.”
Energy Minister Mark McArdle and Local Government Minister David Crisafulli echoed the Mr Manders’ statements.
“Dr Davis has got a job to do right now and that is to get back and work for his electorate. Full stop. End of story,” Mr Crisafulli said.
Source: AAP