Federal Veterans' Affairs minister Alan Griffin has decided to step down from the ministry.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is yet to announce her frontbench after winning the support yesterday of two independent MPs.

Mr Griffin's move to the backbench will give her more options for her new-look ministry.

Labor's caucus will meet in Canberra on Thursday for the first time since the election to discuss the frontbench team.

A government spokesman said Mr Griffin had told Ms Gillard he intended to go to the backbench.

Mr Griffin, a former public servant and ministerial adviser, has been an opposition and government frontbencher for more than a decade.

The Victorian MP had been Veterans' Affairs minister since 2007.

Tags: government-and-politics, federal
:D

Stepping down from the front bench doesn't generate a by election, only if the member quits all together.

bwood1946 wrote on Sep 9^th, 2010 at 1:12pm:

Federal Veterans' Affairs minister Alan Griffin has decided to step down from the ministry. Prime Minister Julia Gillard is yet to announce her frontbench after winning the support yesterday of two independent MPs. Mr Griffin's move to the backbench will give her more options for her new-look ministry. Labor's caucus will meet in Canberra on Thursday for the first time since the election to discuss the frontbench team. A government spokesman said Mr Griffin had told Ms Gillard he intended to go to the backbench. Mr Griffin, a former public servant and ministerial adviser, has been an opposition and government frontbencher for more than a decade. The Victorian MP had been Veterans' Affairs minister since 2007. Tags: government-and-politics, federal :D

Doesn't he actually have to quit politics and resign his Seat to cause a by-election???

I mean, frontbench or backbench....he's still the Member for where ever isn't he???

laborfornever wrote on Sep 9^th, 2010 at 1:14pm:

Stepping down from the front bench doesn't generate a by election, only if the member quits all together.

i know that but why did he step down  

1. his health

2. in the wrong faction

3. theres a reason

4 was he told too

:(

bwood1946 wrote on Sep 9^th, 2010 at 1:17pm:

laborfornever wrote on Sep 9th, 2010 at 1:14pm: Stepping down from the front bench doesn't generate a by election, only if the member quits all together. i know that but why did he step down   1. his health 2. in the wrong faction 3. theres a reason 4 was he told too :(

3. and 4. are the most likely.....2. is possible..

Could just be boredom?...I mean he's been on the frontbench for 10 years.....maybe he wants to sit up the back and read instead of having to look interested all the time??

It'll be to allow that fella into the position.

I have forgotten his name.

The one who plotted against Rudd, Trade Unionist, cheated on his wife and represents some Victoria bogan electorate.

Doesn't narrow it down I know but I forget his name.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Sep 9^th, 2010 at 1:48pm:

It'll be to allow that fella into the position. I have forgotten his name. The one who plotted against Rudd, Trade Unionist, cheated on his wife and represents some Victoria bogan electorate. Doesn't narrow it down I know but I forget his name.

Shorten but vet affairs would not be senior enough

Penny Wongs resigning I believe.... could this result in a by-election, (no sexual discrimination intended)...

;)

And if Wong goes that’s a lot of high profile exits from the left faction. Wong, Tanner and Faulkner....Griffin also!

mellie wrote on Sep 9^th, 2010 at 3:49pm:

Penny Wongs resigning I believe.... could this result in a by-election, (no sexual discrimination intended)... ;)

Same thing mellie....if Penny is just resigning a portfolio...then NO by-election...

gizmo_2655 wrote on Sep 9^th, 2010 at 3:55pm:

mellie wrote on Sep 9th, 2010 at 3:49pm: Penny Wongs resigning I believe.... could this result in a by-election, (no sexual discrimination intended)... ;) Same thing mellie....if Penny is just resigning a portfolio...then NO by-election...

There wouldn't be one anyway, you need to be in the HORs to have a by-election. ::)

I think Penny Wong is Lu Kewen sick, misses him terribly....she hasn't been quite himself since Rudd left.

mellie wrote on Sep 9^th, 2010 at 3:49pm:

Penny Wongs resigning I believe.... could this result in a by-election, (no sexual discrimination intended)... ;)

Oh dog, do any of you RWDBs have any reason or shred of knowledge? Ms Wong is a Senator and if she resigned, most unlikely, her vacancy would be filled with another ALP figure by the SA Premier, Mr Rann.

Don’t you righties know anything?

I think the Greens would like Ms Wong to resign so they can push some of their fairy floss CC policy on a much less doughty CC minister than Ms Wong.

Please, please RWDBs, read a few good papers, a book or two on politics before showing just what sort of ignorant cretin you lot are? Please?