Fed: Vanstone has done solid job as minister, says Downer

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2006
Fed: Vanstone has done solid job as minister, says Downer

Queensland Liberal MP Warren Entsch said anything was possible in any reshuffle.

"Can I tell you that the PM doesn't come into my office and say `hey Entschie - what
are we going to do today in relation to appointments to the frontbench'," he said.

"I don't think there is a problem with continuing to regenerate. You can't get locked
into a particular group. Irrespective of ability I think it is always good to give new
challenges to new people and move people into different portfolios. Otherwise you do become
stale.

Mr Entsch said he had no problems with Senator Vanstone's performance as immigration minister.

Fellow Queensland Liberal MP David Jull noted that Senator Vanstone had been a minister
for 10 years.

"You don't stay a minister for 10 years if you are an absolute dill do you," he said.

South Australian Liberal Senator Alan Ferguson dismissed speculation that Senator Vanstone
would be demoted to the back bench before Christmas.

"I'm sure she will survive Christmas and I'm sure she will have a good Christmas too," he said.

AAP mb/it/bwl

KEYWORD: RESHUFFLE DOWNER 2 CANBERRA (REOPENS)

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