TIM COX:
The first of whom is Labor Senator for Tasmania and Assistant Treasurer, Nick Sherry. A very good morning to you.
NICK SHERRY:
Good morning Tim and good morning to your listeners.
COX:
Where do the unions stand in relation to this – reading all the analysis yesterday and today – Bill Shorten, of course, former AWU General Secretary is seen as being the man that got the ball rolling; Paul Howes on Lateline, a remarkably candid interview on Wednesday night as well – are the unions back wielding more power in the Parliamentary party?
SHERRY:
No, I think yesterday's decision reflects the broader views in Caucus. Whatever a person's background … the union movement in this issue were essentially irrelevant. As I say, there's a very diverse background of people in Caucus, some of whom come from a union background, some – including myself I have to say – and frankly the views of my former union for example were just irrelevant in this issue.
COX:
So what was relevant?
SHERRY:
Oh, I think as Julia said yesterday, that Kevin had lost his way somewhat on a couple of issues. The Government as a consequence had lost its way, lost its sense of direction, and that was the, that was the fundamental disagreement between Julia and Kevin.
COX:
All right, what's the way forward now for Labor under Julia Gillard? As I said none of the issues that dogged Kevin Rudd's leadership and prime ministership have disappeared.
SHERRY:
Well, they haven't disappeared, but Julia yesterday I think outlined for example on the resources tax, that her door was open, the advertising war would cease, and there would be a full set of discussions and negotiations – for example I think that's one area where – I think that's a good start going forward. Julia's a great woman - she's very warm, engaging, she's very, very intelligent and she's got quite a sense of humour at times. So, but going forward it will be just focusing on keeping the Australian economy strong as we have for the last two-and-a-half years and focusing on improving services in areas like health and education.
COX:
How do you get on with her? What's your relationship with her?
SHERRY:
Very, very good. I've had a pretty good relationship with both Kevin and Julia; they're both fantastic people, in quite different ways, in some aspects of their approach. But they're both fantastic people.
COX:
All right … Will you be seeking to hold onto or seeking to hold onto the portfolio you're holding?
SHERRY:
Certainly, I'm currently the Assistant Treasurer, at the end of the day I respect the decisions of the Leader to make that decision.
COX:
But do you want to hold onto this portfolio?
SHERRY:
Oh, well, that's the decision of the Leader. I've indicated I want to continue being a minister and as Assistant Treasurer. But that's ultimately something for Julia.
COX:
Yes, all right, Nick Sherry we'll see what the coming weeks hold. Thanks for your time this morning.
SHERRY:
Thank you, good morning.
COX:
Labor Senator for Tasmania Nick Sherry, the Assistant Treasurer there.