Premier welcomes Colin Barnett's election as Opposition Leader

27/2/01
Premier Geoff Gallop has congratulated Colin Barnett after his election yesterday as Leader of the Opposition.
Dr Gallop said he welcomed Mr Barnett's previous comments that the Liberal Party needed a fresh approach and a change in direction to recast itself as a relevant force in Western Australian politics.
He said it remained to been seen, however, if the Liberal Party's right wing majority would allow Mr Barnett to take a more moderate line.
"As a so-called moderate Liberal, I would expect Mr Barnett to support some of Labor's reform agenda," Dr Gallop said.
"Prostitution law reform, gay and lesbian equality and property rights for defacto couples are just some of the issues Labor will be looking to progress with Mr Barnett's support.
"The same would apply to the issue of electoral reform, which the Liberals supported at the 1996 election, and other accountability reforms recommended by the Commission on Government.
"Unlike his predecessor, I would also expect him to endorse our plans for a full inquiry into the finance broking scandal and a Royal Commission into police corruption.
"Mr Barnett's response to these issues will show whether changing leaders really does mean changing direction, or just putting a new face on the same hard-line approach.
"Despite initially being rejected by his colleagues in favour of a person who is not even a member of State Parliament, Mr Barnett now has an opportunity to drag the Liberals into the 21st Century."
Media contact: Kieran Murphy 9222 9429