The Weatherill Labor Government’s deep divisions are again on display with former President of the Legislative Council John Gazzola labelling current President Russell Wortley a parasite and calling on him to resign.
“Sir, normally I would congratulate you on becoming the President of the Legislative Council. Given the circumstances and by the mere fact that you became the President through a secret factional deal it is difficult for me to wish you well in your role.
“Sir, I have known you for many years and … over time I have formed my own view that you are a parasite and an embarrassment to the Labor movement.
The final advice, given your record as a minister, would be that you should resign as President of the Legislative Council. (Hon John Gazzola, Hansard 20 May 2014)
“The deep personal enmity between the left and the right of the Labor Party is a result of Labor’s perverse factional system that doles out the rewards on office on the basis of factional allegiance rather than talent,” said Rob Lucas Shadow Minister for Health.
“The toxic relationships that lie at the heart of the Weatherill Labor Government will not serve the people of South Australia well during the life of this parliament.
“Indeed this snapshot of the factional hostility at the heart of Labor Government undermines Independent Minister Geoff Brock’s reasoning for supporting the Weatherill Government.
“There is no stability in a government that is at one another’s throats.
“South Australia is facing enormous economic challenges and cannot afford to have a government that is more interested in the perks of office, not the plight of the state.
“South Australia is running a billion dollar deficit, has racked up $14 billion in debt and is suffering from a dangerous jobs crisis but has been saddled with a government riddled with factional hostility.”