Latest news with #PeterCain
ABC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Leanne Castley says no formal staff complaints raised as Peter Cain resigns from Canberra Liberals shadow cabinet
ACT Opposition Leader Leanne Castley says MLA Peter Cain's resignation from her shadow cabinet was unexpected and that no formal complaints have been lodged by staff in her team. Mr Cain resigned from the frontbench yesterday, citing concerns about the direction of the leadership team and decision-making processes. "This decision follows ongoing concerns regarding the direction of the current leadership team and the processes through which key decisions have been made," he said. In the statement, Mr Cain implied there were workplace culture problems within the party. "I also have a duty of care to my hardworking staff, who deserve to work in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment," the statement said. Ms Castley, however, told ABC Canberra this morning she is disappointed Mr Cain did not come to her earlier with his concerns. When asked what she had known about Mr Cain's reasons for stepping down, Ms Castley said: "I know as much as you do". She said he spoke to her in her office on Thursday morning before issuing his statement. "So that's what happened and I respect his choice and decision. "We'd had no conversation [about his concerns previously]." She said when she took over the leadership in the wake of the 2024 ACT election, replacing Elizabeth Lee, she had "made a commitment to always have an open door". "I don't stand for gossip and I'm really keen to chat with anyone who has a problem," she said. "So always, and will remain so, my door is open for Peter any time he wants to come and have a chat with me and, yeah, that won't change." Ms Castley said she believed "communication is key". "There are definite changes … as I say, I have a completely open door policy in the assembly … but we can't do the same thing we've always done and expect a different result," she said. "So, we're getting some great wins in the chamber and I know that the team are really excited by that. Ms Castley was adamant she had a cohesive team, despite Mr Cain's move to the backbench. "Our goal is to win government in 2028. "Whether everyone is wanting to take a portfolio at this time, or wanting to take a bit of time to pause and reflect, that's OK as well." Asked about information from Liberal sources who had revealed the situation had been developing and that Mr Cain had voiced concerns previously, Ms Castley said she had not been privy to that. She said he had not raised concerns with her "about decisions the leadership team are making". She added that when she asked Mr Cain why he was resigning, he said: "We'll discuss that at another time". Ms Castley also agreed with Mr Cain's comments about a "duty of care" for staff and said no formal complaints had been lodged within their team. "We have an amazing HR team in the assembly, any question you have for them, they're always open and very good at that two-way communication as well, so I would encourage all of our staff to make sure they're taking care of themself," she said. "It's a tough job when your boss is constantly getting slammed for one thing or another." Asked if any informal complaints had been made, she said: "I think every office is having informal discussions about the way staff are being treated". Yesterday, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr described Mr Cain's resignation from the shadow cabinet as a "reflection of deep divisions within the Canberra Liberals on key policy issues". "His comments regarding the safety of his staff are particularly concerning," Mr Barr said in a statement. "One thing is clear: the Canberra Liberals remain deeply conservative, increasingly out of touch, and more divided than ever." But today Ms Castley said she was confident she was the right person to lead the Canberra Liberals. "Absolutely, I think we're stronger than we have been," she stated. "Knowing that we're coming into budget week strong, ready for questions, ready to understand what this budget is about."
ABC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Canberra Liberals on Peter Cain's resignation from shadow cabinet
Canberra Liberals MLA Peter Cain's resignation from shadow cabinet came as a surprise to other party frontbenchers.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Peter Cain resigns from Canberra Liberals shadow cabinet over concerns about leadership
Canberra Liberals MLA Peter Cain has resigned from the shadow cabinet, citing concerns about the party's leadership. In a statement, Mr Cain said his resignation was "effective immediately". "This decision follows ongoing concerns regarding the direction of the current leadership team and the processes through which key decisions have been made," he said. Mr Cain was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2020 and represents the electorate of Ginninderra. He has most recently held the shadow ministries of attorney-general, planning and environment and housing services. Soon after the 2024 ACT election, Leanne Castley was named leader of the party, replacing Elizabeth Lee, and Jeremy Hanson was elected as her deputy. In the statement, Mr Cain said the decision to resign was not one he had "taken lightly". "I believe I can best serve the Canberra community and the people of Ginninderra from the backbench." He also alluded to issues around workplace culture being among the reasons for his resignation. "I also have a duty of care to my hardworking staff, who deserve to work in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment," he said. He said he would remain on the backbench as a member of the party and "continue to work hard, speak up and advocate for policies that reflect the best of what a Liberal philosophy has to offer". "I am proud of the work I have done and the advocacy I have led across the portfolios I have held, always with a focus on delivering better outcomes for Canberrans," he said. "I remain available to engage with anyone to advance the best interests of Belconnen and the ACT." Leanne Castley and the Canberra Liberals have been approached for comment.
