Qld: Quinn disappointed at dumping as Qld Lib leader

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2006
Qld: Quinn disappointed at dumping as Qld Lib leader

By Roberta Mancuso

BRISBANE, Aug 7 AAP - Former Queensland Liberal leader Bob Quinn says he's disappointed
at being dumped on what could be the eve of a state election.

Mr Quinn, who headed the party for more than five years, was toppled following a challenge
by deputy Bruce Flegg during a party room vote today.

Dr Flegg, the opposition health spokesman, has been an effective performer, with the
Labor government on the back foot over the past 18 months due to problems with the state's
public health system.

Mark McArdle, the member for Caloundra, was elected as Liberal deputy leader.

Mr Quinn accepted the party room outcome but said he was disappointed given its timing.

"We're on the cusp of an election campaign, which I fully expect the Liberal Party
to do quite well at," he told reporters.

"So in that respect I'm somewhat disappointed that there has been a change of leadership
at this time.

"It just goes to show that not all your political enemies are on the other side of
the fence. Sometimes you need to be aware that things can go wrong inside your own party."

The leadership change comes amid speculation Premier Peter Beattie could soon call
an early election.

Mr Beattie can wait until May next year, but some pundits believe he could go to the
polls in early September.

Dr Flegg had for some months reportedly been preparing to challenge Mr Quinn's leadership,
but had repeatedly brushed off such reports as "mischievous".

He today denied he had challenged or "ambushed" Mr Quinn.

"I'm humbled by the confidence that my parliamentary colleagues have placed in me to
lead the party into the next election," Dr Flegg said.

"I made myself available when the position was declared vacant and I'm very excited
at the prospect (of being Liberal leader)."

Gold Coast-based Mr Quinn, who said he was uncertain whether he would contest the next
election, refused to reveal whether he felt betrayed by Dr Flegg.

"I've been around politics long enough not to take any of these things personally," he said.

A reshuffle of Liberal Party shadow ministry positions was expected to be announced later today.

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