Hasluck MHR Ken Wyatt with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in April at the launch of a multibillion-dollar WA infrastructure package.
Camera IconHasluck MHR Ken Wyatt with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in April at the launch of a multibillion-dollar WA infrastructure package. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Ken Wyatt dismisses rumours he will step down

Lynn GriersonHills Avon Valley Gazette

HASLUCK MHR Ken Wyatt today dismissed rumours he is considering not standing at the next Federal election – and he blames the Opposition for spreading misinformation.

“The short answer is bollocks,” he said.

“I’m disappointed that Labor is playing the strategy of false news, in order to create uncertainty among the voters of Hasluck.”

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The Minister for Aged Care and Indigenous Health said that following numerous inquiries from journalists in recent days, he was aware the baseless claims had come from a Labor party source.

“I want to assure everyone, including the people I represent, that I will be standing at the next election,” he said.

“I am intent on helping to deliver in Hasluck the recent Turnbull Government Budget commitments of tax relief for workers and local businesses and more support for families and older Australians.

“I hope to have the people of Hasluck’s ongoing support so I can continue focusing on building stronger communities and fighting for the issues that matter to local people, just as I have done since 2010.”

He said the claims had surfaced since last Thursday’s announcement of the “super Saturday” by-elections on July 28.

WA Labor State Secretary Matt Dixon said Mr Wyatt should look to his colleagues inside the Liberal Party if he was worried about rumour mongering.

“What Ken decides to do at the next election is his business and his alone,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if Ken decides to retire at the next election or not.

“We will be campaigning on who has the better ideas and policies for the voters of Hasluck.”

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