FED:No ministry for me, Oakeshott

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2010
FED:No ministry for me, Oakeshott

CANBERRA, Aug 23 AAP - Independent MP Rob Oakeshott has laughed off suggestions he
has been offered a ministry in return for supporting a minority Labor government.

"Only very much jokingly, nothing formal," he told ABC Radio on Monday.

Mr Oakeshott is one of three independent MPs in parliament's lower house that Labor
and the coalition might need to win over to form Australia's first minority government
in 70 years.

"This is not about political parties any more," he said.

It was an opportunity for the 150 members of the lower house to consider all options
for a clear majority and a confident parliament for the next three years.

"If this stays about political parties, about an either-or choice about the red tribe
or the blue tribe it won't work and we will have to go back to the ballot box," Mr Oakeshott
said.

Now was not the time for "personal wants or wishes".

"This is not a time for offers."

Mr Oakeshott said he had spoken with Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader
Tony Abbott.

The independent MPS were trying to finalise a timetable for negotiations by the end
of Monday, he said.

But it could be two weeks before anything was clear.

AAP ah/rl/jm

KEYWORD: POLL10 OAKESHOTT

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