Qld: No more ministers to quit, says Beattie
BRISBANE, Aug 28 AAP - No more Queensland government ministers would be retiring atthe next state election, Premier Peter Beattie said today.
Three ministers -- Health Minister Wendy Edmond, Transport Minister Steve Bredhauer,and Employment, Training and Arts Minister Matt Foley -- have announced this week theywill not be seeking re-election.
But Mr Beattie said today he was not aware of any others who were quitting politics.
He denied speculation Local Government Minister Nita Cunningham and Environment MinisterDean Wells would be the next to go.
"Nita has been a good minister and she is running again and so is Dean," Mr Beattietold 4BC Radio today.
Ms Edmond announced on Monday she would not contest the next election.
But Mr Beattie today ruled out appointing a replacement for her before the next election,to be held before May 15 next year.
"I don't want to have three (health) ministers in six months," Mr Beattie said.
"I could appoint someone who could lose their seat at the next election."
Mr Beattie has said the retirements would help renew his frontbench if Labor was electedfor a third term.
"The third term will be the toughest term and I don't want anybody who is not fully committed."
AAP rad/was/jlw
KEYWORD: MINISTER QLD DAYLEAD
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