Politics - Beattie style ...

Extraordinary behaviour in State parliament yesterday over the dams issue:

Excerpt from the Courier Mail:

Cate changes to pro-dam

9 June 2006

The debacle began in Parliament on Wednesday night, when Ms Molloy voted with the Government to defeat an Opposition motion opposing the dam.

But yesterday morning she told ABC Radio she had acted like a "coward" and would vote against any future motions supporting a dam on the Mary River.

The Opposition seized on these comments and when Parliament resumed it called for another vote.

When the division began, Ms Molloy seemed confused as other Labor backbenchers including Ipswich MP Rachel Nolan, Aspley MP Bonny Barry, Hervey Bay's Andrew McNamara and Yeerongpilly's Simon Finn rushed towards her, effectively surrounding her and grabbing her arms as they appeared to talk her out of crossing the floor.

The Noosa MP was then reportedly given a private dressing down by Ms Barry and Deputy Premier Anna Bligh before it was announced she would meet with Mr Beattie to discuss the issue.

Source - Courier Mail - Cate changes to pro-dam.


Opposing Premier Beattie is a clearly a difficult thing - if you are one of his MPs ...