http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/newshome/15289363/ferguson-drops-legal-threat-over-oakeshott-remarks/

Resources Minister Martin Ferguson will drop his legal action against key independent MP Rob Oakeshott following a discussion with the Prime Minister this morning.

Mr Ferguson threatened to take legal action against Mr Oakeshott over comments the independent MP made about the mining tax.

But Ms Gillard has now made it clear Mr Ferguson will not be following through with the threat.

"Minister Ferguson will not be pursuing such action," she said.

She spoke to Mr Ferguson this morning and says he involved a law firm because was offended by Mr Oakeshott's comments.

Mr Ferguson had threatened legal action unless Mr Oakeshott apologised for the comments.

The comments were made to a newspaper after it was revealed the mining tax would not make any revenue in the first three months.

Mr Oakeshott was furious that he had been threatened with legal action.

"I received defamation papers from the Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson last Thursday," Mr Oakeshott said in a statement.

He says the only direct quote attributed to him in the October newspaper article stated: "we must have another look at it."

"I am very surprised the Minister has threatened legal action over this matter," he said.

"I do not know whether this action was encouraged or approved by other members of the Cabinet or the Caucus - these are questions for others.

"The only action I have taken in response to the letter from the Minister’s solicitors is to ask Mr Ferguson in person if the letter is authentic and if he authorised it. He confirmed both."

The threat was the second piece of evidence this week that tension is mounting between the Government and the key crossbench MPs.

Mr Oakeshott and Tony Windsor are considering opposing some bills because they feel the Government is rushing them through.

Stupid Ferguson - you don't sue the person you rely on to deceive the Australian public

Serves you right!!!

Nice to se the PM bitch slap someone other than Abbott for a change.

skippy. wrote on Nov 3^rd, 2012 at 1:59pm:

Nice to se the PM bitch slap someone other than Abbott for a change.

how did she biatch slap Abbott?

that's right in defending Slipper's right to be a misogynist

GO GILLARD you are a huge supporter of misogyny

Gumpies got NOTHING ....

lol..Abbott punches women that threaten his career..Gillard rules her front bench with an iron fist and has the top job so its no wonder Abbott looks like he  wants to punch her like he punches his wife  ;D

adelcrow wrote on Nov 3^rd, 2012 at 2:47pm:

lol..Abbott punches women that threaten his career..Gillard rules her front bench with an iron fist and has the top job so its no wonder Abbott looks like he  wants to punch her like he punches his wife  ;D

Please show statutory evidence where this has happened

So Ferguson was going to sue Oakshot for stating the mining tax would make no money in the first 3 months??

So ferguson was gunna sue Oakshott for telling the truth which has been proven to be true as the MRRT made NO money in the first 3 months??

Ferguson has never been the sharpest tool in the shed has he??

shows how touchy the left are getting... this way they think they can shut people up...




Maqqa wrote on Nov 3^rd, 2012 at 1:37pm:

Mr Oakeshott was furious that he had been threatened with legal action. "I received defamation papers from the Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson last Thursday," Mr Oakeshott said in a statement.

guess us mug tax payers will have to pick up the bill for that...

what a twat and hes a minister for WHAT


youi know what they say ferg... if you cant stand the HEAT!

cods wrote on Nov 3^rd, 2012 at 4:36pm:

shows how touchy the left are getting... this way they think they can shut people up... Maqqa wrote on Nov 3rd, 2012 at 1:37pm: Mr Oakeshott was furious that he had been threatened with legal action. "I received defamation papers from the Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson last Thursday," Mr Oakeshott said in a statement. guess us mug tax payers will have to pick up the bill for that... what a twat and hes a minister for WHAT youi know what they say ferg... if you cant stand the HEAT!

It does seem precious. I have to admit, I've never had a high opinion of Ferguson.

skippy. wrote on Nov 3^rd, 2012 at 4:37pm:

cods wrote on Nov 3rd, 2012 at 4:36pm: shows how touchy the left are getting... this way they think they can shut people up... Maqqa wrote on Nov 3rd, 2012 at 1:37pm: Mr Oakeshott was furious that he had been threatened with legal action. "I received defamation papers from the Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson last Thursday," Mr Oakeshott said in a statement. guess us mug tax payers will have to pick up the bill for that... what a twat and hes a minister for WHAT youi know what they say ferg... if you cant stand the HEAT! It does seem precious. I have to admit, I've never had a high opinion of Ferguson.

Me neither. He does seem a bit of a dill.

TheGreenLight wrote on Nov 3^rd, 2012 at 4:40pm:

skippy. wrote on Nov 3rd, 2012 at 4:37pm: cods wrote on Nov 3rd, 2012 at 4:36pm: shows how touchy the left are getting... this way they think they can shut people up... Maqqa wrote on Nov 3rd, 2012 at 1:37pm: Mr Oakeshott was furious that he had been threatened with legal action. "I received defamation papers from the Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson last Thursday," Mr Oakeshott said in a statement. guess us mug tax payers will have to pick up the bill for that... what a twat and hes a minister for WHAT youi know what they say ferg... if you cant stand the HEAT! It does seem precious. I have to admit, I've never had a high opinion of Ferguson. Me neither. He does seem a bit of a dill.

Makes sense... Ferguson is the standout performer in the ministry. He is well liked and respected by industry because he actually seems to know what the industry is about. So of course you dont like him. You gravitate to pretentious ignorance and incompetence.

Maqqa wrote on Nov 3^rd, 2012 at 3:22pm:

adelcrow wrote on Nov 3rd, 2012 at 2:47pm: lol..Abbott punches women that threaten his career..Gillard rules her front bench with an iron fist and has the top job so its no wonder Abbott looks like he  wants to punch her like he punches his wife  ;D Please show statutory evidence where this has happened

ohhh, suddenly gumpy wants statutory evidence?

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D :D :D

moron .... you've never been concerned with evidence before ...