Tensions have emerged between Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Photo: Andrew Meares
The first sign of serious tensions between Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop have emerged, with reports the deputy Liberal leader “went bananas” at the Prime Minister after Fairfax Media reported she would be chaperoned on a key overseas mission.
Fairfax Media reported on Sunday that Mr Abbott personally requested Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb – one of the Coalition’s early opponents of emissions trading – accompany Ms Bishop to climate change talks in Lima, Peru later this month. Environment Minister Greg Hunt will not attend the conference. The summit is a precursor to a summit in Paris next year where it’s hoped a new binding global treaty for lowering carbon emissions will be struck.
Mr Robb was asked to make sure any new domestic carbon reduction commitments would be framed around Australia’s economic impacts. Sources told Fairfax Media the move was seen as a sign Mr Abbott was worried the Foreign Minister would go “too green” at the UN conference.
On Thursday, The Australian Financial Review reported the story triggered an angry response from Ms Bishop, who is said to have “gone bananas” at Mr Abbott.
Ms Bishop is reported to have demanded a “please explain” from the Prime Minister, especially given she was not consulted on Mr Robb’s attendance.
On Wednesday, Ms Bishop said any new climate targets would have broad impacts on the economy.
“This has significant economic impacts, so both the Trade and Investment and the Foreign Minister will be there,” she said.
The tensions between leader and deputy leader have emerged amid heightened concerns about the role and influence of Mr Abbott’s office, which ministers and backbenchers believe wields too much control.
On Sunday, News Corp reported Treasurer Joe Hockey “went off his tits” over reports that Mr Abbott’s office was briefing journalists that the $7 GP co-payment would be shelved.
Some MPs say they are forbidden, or strongly discouraged, from speaking to the media by Mr Abbott’s office.
The Coalition’s pollster, Mark Textor, this week called for the office to centralise the message but decentralise the delivery.
While there is no serious threat to Mr Abbott’s leadership, MPs are becoming increasingly concerned about the government’s position in the polls.
Many note Ms Bishop’s public popularity is significantly higher than Mr Abbott’s.
Mr Abbott on Monday backed his office and said it was responsible for the Coalition’s election victory in 2013.
Fairfax Media has approached Mr Abbott’s office for comment.
source: theage.com.au
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