Fed: Chipp thinks Bartlett should quit Democrats leadership

AAP General News (Australia)
12-09-2003
Fed: Chipp thinks Bartlett should quit Democrats leadership

The founder of the Australian Democrats, DON CHIPP, thinks ANDREW BARTLETT should quit
the leadership of the party he established nearly 30 years ago.

Mr CHIPP's warned that a drunken incident involving Senator BARTLETT manhandling government
whip in the Senate JEANNIE FERRIS could have fatal electoral consequences for the Australian
Democrats.

Mr CHIPP's told ABC television he thinks Senator BARTLETT should quit the leadership
and return to the backbench.

Senator BARTLETT has taken leave while his party gauges the fallout from last Thursday's
incident.

Mr CHIPP says the Democrats hold a vital role as the balance of power party in the
Senate and he's concerned this role could end up in the hands of the Australian Greens
after the next election.

AAP RTV so/rca/psm/

KEYWORD: BARTLETT CHIPP (CANBERRA)

2003 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.