VIC: Brumby tells Theo to resign by 2pm today = 3

AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-1999
VIC: Brumby tells Theo to resign by 2pm today = 3

Mr Theophanous, the MP for Jika Jika in northern Melbourne, is Opposition spokesman for
WorkCover, Industry and Employment.

Under Labor rules, Mr Brumby does not have the power to directly sack Mr Theophanous, since
the ALP Caucus determines the Labor leadership and who will be in shadow cabinet.

Calling a special caucus meeting to sack Mr Theophanous runs the risk for Mr Brumby of
causing a spill of all leadership positions, including his own.

The turmoil comes at a critical time in Mr Brumby's leadership and with a state election
possibly only four months away.

Mr Brumby was hoping to shore up his position with the release of his long-awaited policy
platform tomorrow, before the next state Labor conference on February 27 and 28.

He has strained relations with the union movement recently by calling Trades Hall building
unions convener Brian Boyd a "lapdog" of Mr Kennett, and by saying a Labor government could
sack underperforming teachers.

A member of the right-wing Labor Unity faction, Mr Brumby has caused friction within the
left factions because of his long-term bid to renew and modernise Labor.

Mr Theophanous formed his own Labor Renewal Alliance in December 1996, and merged forces
with Labor Unity, after he was expelled from the Socialist Left faction.

Premier Jeff Kennett, who has refused to comment on the turmoil gripping Labor, can call an
election for any time in the 12 months from June 12 this year.

AAP lmw/er pa

KEYWORD: ALP VIC BRUMBY 3 MELBOURNE (REOPENS)

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