Premier Jay Weatherill has today made the extraordinary claim that Federal Labor Leader Bill Shorten is “not relevant” and cannot make a difference.
The shock statement was made just hours before Mr Shorten is expected to deliver his budget response.
Premier Weatherill made the claim on ABC Radio this morning:
“He’s not relevant. He can’t make a difference.”
“It’s both scary and informative that Premier Weatherill thinks that the Federal leader of his party is irrelevant and can’t make a difference,” said Shadow Treasurer Rob Lucas.
“Mr Weatherill has been embarrassed by Mr Shorten’s refusal to commit to providing an extra $80 billion in health and education funding to the states.
“It is absolutely hypocritical of Mr Weatherill when he indicated he hadn’t even lobbied Mr Shorten to make any firm commitment.
“It is quite clear that Mr Weatherill is very intent on playing political games over this issue.
“If Premier Weatherill has this opinion of his own Federal Labor Leader, it’s no wonder he can’t work with the Prime Minister of the day to deliver a better deal for South Australia.”