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WA premier says he accepts criticism

WA Premier Colin Barnett says he accepts criticism towards himself and his staff after staring down a potential challenge from former minister Dean Nalder.

WA Premier Colin Barnett
WA Premier Colin Barnett Source: AAP

WA Premier Colin Barnett says he accepts some criticism of his authoritative leadership style following a failed leadership challenge, but pointed out government often required decisive action.

A spill motion was comfortably defeated 31 votes to 15 in a ballot of the Liberal government's 46 MPs at a party room meeting on Tuesday.

Mr Barnett remained premier and never faced a vote against MP Dean Nalder, who was planning to challenge.

Mr Nalder, who resigned as a minister along with Tony Simpson on Saturday, accused Mr Barnett of no longer listening or consulting, and claimed he could not get a meeting with the premier for six months.

Previously dumped ministers Helen Morton and Murray Cowper, who moved the spill motion, labelled his office an out-of-control machine and toxic, while Ms Morton accused staff of bullying.

"People made it very clear they want to have more opportunity to speak to me. I think they've got a lot of opportunity, but I'll go out of my way to make sure that's the case," Mr Barnett told reporters.

"I think sometimes because I like to get on with the job and deal with issues quickly, maybe people think I don't listen enough. I accept that criticism."

"There was some criticism of my office and I will talk to my staff and talk to members about that ... but government just moves so incredibly quickly, I deal with many, many issues every single day, there are many demands, it is a demanding, exciting, challenging job."

Mr Nalder has ruled out any further contest, saying Mr Barnett had been "elected captain of our team" and had a great record over eight years.

Mr Barnett said some of those 15 people calling for a vote would have still supported him to lead the party.

"I take some comfort that it was a more than two-to-one vote," he said.


2 min read

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Source: SBS News



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