nathan rees

"KERRY O'BRIEN: Given the mood in this State you could do what the Liberal Government in Tasmania did in 1998 and what the German Government has done twice post war and have an early election.

You could circumvent the four year fixed term by organising a vote of no confidence in your own government and going to the Governor for dissolution; put yourselves out of your misery.

[pause]

NATHAN REES: Is that a serious suggestion?

KERRY O'BRIEN: Well, It is. It would be against your own self interest though, wouldn’t it?"

Not just quote of the week, but a nominee for the 2008 Gold Rummy from New South Wales Premier, Nathan Rees, speaking about traffic congestion in a keynote address to the 9th World Congress of Metropolis in Sydney on October 23:

"Congestion is a concern for all Sydneysiders and if you think you are in traffic, you are in traffic. It's not a relative concept.

"It's like being in love. If you think you are in love, you are in love. If you think you are in traffic, you are in traffic."

If ever there was proof needed that the Large Hadron Collider is destabilising the remnants of New South Wales politics, comes today's email from ex-Health Minister Reba Meagher to Australian Associated Press, confirming that she made no attempt to inform Premier Rees on Saturday before telling the media of her intention to quit politics.

Said media outlet takes up the story.

Nathan's cabinet is in place. Reba Meagher jumped before she was pushed. Frank Sartor was pushed, and then gave a press conference to tell the world why Premier Rees was wrong. And Joe Tripodi? Well, he got promoted.

Friday was arguably the most tumultuous day in New South Wales politics since Jack Lang was sacked on May 13, 1932. Firstly Michael Costa was axed as State Treasurer by Premier Morris Iemma, then Iemma himself resigned after his attempt to reshuffle cabinet was nixed by his caucus.

And all this happened two days after deputy premier John Watkins resigned from parliament to become CEO of Alzheimers Australia.