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Stirling voters back embattled PM Malcolm Turnbull amid latest spill bid

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Dylan CapornThe West Australian
VideoIn the wake of yesterday's leadership spill, many voters just want politicians to get on with their job

Voters in the Federal seat of Stirling have thrown their support behind embattled Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, despite local member Michael Keenan voting for challenger Peter Dutton in Tuesday’s leadership ballot.

The West Australian visited the Main Street shopping strip in Osborne Park yesterday to gauge voters’ response to the Liberal leadership turmoil in Canberra, with many saying they were tired of the matter.

While several voters were disinterested in Federal politics, and could not name Mr Keenan as their local member, others such as Stirling man Bernie Parsons said leadership challenges were happening “too often”.

“It was the wrong decision for Keenan to back Dutton,” Mr Parsons said. “Malcolm Turnbull was voted in by the people. The Liberals should stay with him for the time and go to the election with him. It’s mad — the world must be looking on and thinking we are idiots.”

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Tuart Hill Catholic priest Father Christopher Ross said the Liberal Party should stick with Mr Turnbull.

Rob and Michelle Morgan pictured on Main Street in Osborne Park.
Camera IconRob and Michelle Morgan pictured on Main Street in Osborne Park. Credit: Danella Bevis

“I think the whole business of changing leaders midstream is ridiculous — it shows a lack of stability,” Father Ross said.

Yokine woman Pamela Verth said she liked Mr Turnbull.

“I think the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t when it comes to the Prime Minister,” Ms Verth said.

“He should be able to see out the rest of the term.”

Osborne Park cafe owner Nick Gianotti said Federal politicians were only working against one another, something he described as “counterproductive”.

“I don’t really like the campaign against Malcolm Turnbull ... his productivity has been stunted by his own party,” Mr Gianotti said.

Christopher Ross pictured on Main Street in Osborne Park.
Camera IconChristopher Ross pictured on Main Street in Osborne Park. Credit: Danella Bevis

Scarborough couple Rob and Michelle Morgan said they believed neither Mr Turnbull nor Mr Dutton should lead the Liberals. “Am I happy with what they’re doing? Not really,” Mr Morgan said.

“But I think they’re going to have to change Turnbull. But I don’t really like Dutton.”

Despite voters falling in behind Mr Turnbull, they supported Mr Keenan, who also serves as Human Services Minister, remaining in Cabinet.

After Tuesday’s leadership ballot, Mr Keenan offered to resign from Cabinet but his resignation was turned down by Mr Turnbull. “I respect the outcome of today’s partyroom meeting and the Prime Minister has my full support,” Mr Keenan tweeted on Tuesday.

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“The important thing now is for the coalition to unite and take the fight up to Bill Shorten and his high taxing and high-spending agenda, which would be a disaster for our country.”

Voters supported the Mr Turnbull’s decision to reject Mr Keenan’s resignation.

“Turnbull should work with them all and get them back on side and build unity,” Mr Parsons said.

Yokine woman Rose Tarca said the spill motion was just a part of politics, which happened all the time. “It probably wasn’t the right move for Keenan to support Dutton but he shouldn’t have to quit the Cabinet,” Ms Tarca said.

Ms Verth agreed: “Keenan should not quit, because people are entitled to their opinion.”

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