National Party Ministers are to be commended for sticking to their State Conference resolution to oppose forced council amalgamations. In the Parliament, they voted against the Government - and now they are reported to have refused to take part in Cabinet discussions on the recommendations of the Local Government Advisory Board.In many ways, it would have been better (if futile) if the Nationals had stayed in Cabinet to argue against the Government - but this would have bound them by the convention of cabinet solidarity. Perhaps by staying out they have maintained their ability to be true to their party conference resolution. We can but hope.
But, in any case, the cracks are appearing.
As political analyst, Harry Phillips, is reported as saying, the tension in Government is intensifying over council amalgamations and is threatening to split the Liberal-National alliance.
Even if it doesn't cause a formal split, it does at least allow a little more light into the debate.
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