Rudd refuses to answer questions on Green preferences & leaves door open to minority government

Mr Rudd has revealed he is prepared to continue sharing power with the Greens in the event of a hung Parliament. He also refused to answer questions on where Labor will preference the Greens in this election.

Coalition Campaign Spokesman, Christopher Pyne called on Mr Rudd to match Tony Abbott’s preferences announcement and the Coalition’s commitment not to govern in a minority. 

“It is critical for jobs and the economy that Australia has a strong, stable government. People want an end to the division, dysfunction and uncertainty of the past three years,” Mr Pyne said.

Responding evasively to questioning today, Mr Rudd said his “objective is to be a Government, a majority Government in our own right.”

Despite adding he would not be entering into any coalition or negotiated agreements, Mr Rudd refused to rule out leading a minority government in the event a majority cannot be reached.

“Mr Rudd said he will not form a coalition with any minor party or independent but he refused to rule out leading a minority government,” Mr Pyne said.

“Mr Rudd’s decision not to rule out doing deals with the Greens is an attempt to prolong his time in the Lodge.

“The Coalition has made a clear commitment not to form a minority government. The only way to get a strong stable majority government with a strong, united team is to vote for the Coalition on September 7.

“This is a test of Mr Rudd’s leadership. Will he put jobs and the economy first and the Greens last?” 

14 August 2013