FED:Oakeshott questions 'smear campaign'

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2010
FED:Oakeshott questions 'smear campaign'

CANBERRA, Aug 30 AAP - Independent MP Rob Oakeshott has questioned coalition tactics
after receiving a "Rambo-style" phone call from a senior Liberal.

He also wants to know whether a smear campaign reportedly being launched against him
is an attempt to destabilise his negotiations with the major parties.

Mr Oakeshott, who is in Canberra this week to continue talks, is seeking a "please
explain" from Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.

He has already received an apology from an unnamed Liberal who called claiming to be
"the Devil" when his wife answered.

It follows reports that Liberal backbencher Alby Schultz phoned and abused fellow independent
Tony Windsor, telling him to back the coalition in forming government.

Mr Oakeshott said Mr Abbott needs to come clean on whether the calls were part of a
wider Liberal strategy.

"If these are Rambo-style phone calls that I'm receiving from loose cannons, that's
fine," Mr Oakeshott told ABC Radio on Monday.

"But what is of deeper concern is ... is this a strategic move to try and destabilise
this whole process?

"If that is the game, that needs to be flushed out early."

Mr Oakeshott also pointed the finger at the Nationals over tabloid newspapers that
were "trying to run up dirt stories" on him.

Dismissing the "diversion", Mr Oakeshott wants to make a decision on who he will be
supporting by the end of this week.

He expects to meet with Prime Minister Julia Gillard later on Monday and Mr Abbott
as soon as possible, when he's planning to get a better idea of both parties' costings.

Mr Oakeshott, who has not ruled out supporting either party, said he's still hopeful
of consensus politics even if the major camps are not inclined to agree.

AAP cj/ao/apm

KEYWORD: POLL10 OAKESHOTT UPDATE

� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.