Updated
Photo:
Julia Gillard and Colin Barnett in happier times. Premier Barnett says he no longer trusts the Commonwealth.
A war of words has reignited between West Australian Premier Colin Barnett and Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Mr Barnett ignited the row in an interview with a national newspaper where he said he no longer trusts the Commonwealth.
He also said Ms Gillard’s decision to withdraw from an in-principle agreement to help the states pay native title claims is the most disappointing act from a Prime Minister he has witnessed in his 21 years in politics.
Ms Gillard’s office has responded with a statement accusing Mr Barnett of shooting from the lip and of political opportunism.
The statement says Mr Barnett has never raised concerns about native title with the Prime Minister in person, despite numerous opportunities to do so.
The Federal Government says it will assist with native title settlements on a case by case basis.
Topics:
government-and-politics,
federal—state-issues,
perth-6000
First posted
More
stories from Western Australia
Views: 0