The former premier Dominic Perrottet liked to say that bad opposition delivers bad government. That, of course, was when the shoe was on the other foot. But as the year comes to a close, the Coalition has shown it has a way to go before it is an effective opposition that can hold the government to account.
The bedlam around the controversial extension of Russell Balding as chair of Racing NSW highlighted this. Rather than being able to expose NSW Labor for bowing to interest-group pressure, the Coalition managed to tie itself in knots and support the government.
Liberal leader Mark Speakman might recall the wisdom of his predecessor, former premier Dominic Perrottet, on the need for good oppositions.Credit: Flavio Brancaleone
Labor’s position on Balding was always strange. Why the government needed to waste valuable time changing legislation for one person was never clear. Its argument was that Balding, who is seen as an ally of the Liberals, had done such a good job as chair of the racing regulator that he should be retained for two more years to finish his work.
Given he has already had two extensions to his term (under the former government), and will now notch up an unprecedented 14 years on the Racing NSW board, it was a bold move for Labor. But the Minns government is unapologetic and, despite its first months in office being overshadowed by jobs-for-the boys accusations and staffing scandals, it was prepared to risk another.
Yet, an issue that could have become a thorn in Labor’s side developed into a mess for the Coalition. As the government was dealing with the traffic chaos and commuter fury around Sydney’s new Rozelle interchange – perfect fodder for the opposition – the Coalition was instead desperately trying to work out how to secure a PR win while keeping racing heavyweights on side.
The Balding issue bitterly split the Coalition. Some, such as racing spokesman and Nationals MP Kevin Anderson, were determined not to rock the boat with Racing NSW, while others were appalled by Labor’s push to keep Balding. Moderate powerbroker Matt Kean lobbied hard in shadow cabinet to keep Balding because he was Liberal-friendly and better than a Labor appointment, while conservative elder Damien Tudehope had concerns with matters of governance.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman was caught in the middle. After a round of highly charged discussions, both in shadow cabinet and party rooms, which consumed all the Coalition’s energy this week, the opposition landed on a position: it would support Balding’s extension on the condition that Racing NSW is made answerable to parliament, through the budget estimates process and so-called SO52s – standing orders for documents to be produced to parliament. Racing NSW would also be subject to reviews by the NSW auditor-general.
The Coalition’s amendments would not have been welcome news to Racing NSW. It currently answers to neither the parliament nor the auditor-general.
Opposition disorder could become NSW’s weakest link
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29.11.2023
The former premier Dominic Perrottet liked to say that bad opposition delivers bad government. That, of course, was when the shoe was on the other foot. But as the year comes to a close, the Coalition has shown it has a way to go before it is an effective opposition that can hold the government to account.
The bedlam around the controversial extension of Russell Balding as chair of Racing NSW highlighted this. Rather than being able to expose NSW Labor for bowing to interest-group pressure, the Coalition managed to tie itself in knots and support the government.
Liberal leader Mark Speakman might recall the wisdom of his predecessor, former premier Dominic Perrottet, on the need for good oppositions.Credit: Flavio........
© The Sydney Morning Herald
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