Tas: Rudd backs Greens ministers in Tas govt

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2010
Tas: Rudd backs Greens ministers in Tas govt

HOBART, April 22 AAP - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says Tasmania's minority Labor government,
which includes a Greens minister, can work.

Labor leader David Bartlett was retained as leader of a minority government following
the March 20 state election, which delivered 10 seats to both the Labor and Liberal parties
and the remaining five to the Greens.

In a first for the state, Labor offered two cabinet positions to the Greens, making
Nick McKim the first ever Greens minister in any state or federal government.

On a visit to Hobart on Thursday, Mr Rudd said the new arrangements could work.

"What I believe what the premier has done is a practical course of action in response
to the will of the people," he told reporters.

"I've also noted carefully what the Tasmanian Greens leader has had to say. He's committed
himself to a constructive course of action. I see expressions of good will all round.

"I work with every democratically elected government in the country - Liberal, Labor,
Calathumpian, Green, whatever you like."

AAP pbc/maur

KEYWORD: POLLTAS RUDD

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