Tony Abbott denies Hockey dismissal rumours
Prime Minister Tony Abbott prior to the September by-election has dismissed a salacious rumour that he will replace Joe Hockey as Treasurer.
Speaking to press in Sydney today, Mr Abbott denied gossip that he would replace Mr Hockey if the Liberal Party lost the seat of Canning, in Western Australia, at the upcoming September 19 election.
“The Treasurer is doing an excellent job. He has my full confidence and the full confidence of the Cabinet,” he said.
“Not a single person has raised this issue with me.”
The clarification from the Prime Minister follows a call from senior Liberal Arthur Sinodinos to sack politicians leaking information about Mr Hockey to the press.
“Ministers should be working hard to win the Canning by-election rather than backgrounding against a colleague to scapegoat a potential loss,” Senator Sinodinos said.
“Holding out the prospect of a reshuffle and even a double dissolution election smacks of defeatism and a lack of focus on the substantive issues of governing.
“The Prime Minister should sack any Minister or adviser who is engaged in such deliberate leaking and destabilisation.
“(Federal opposition leader Bill) Shorten is the real enemy, not fellow Liberals.”
News break - August 31
