Every Labor MHR has power now

Choosing a ministry when every member of your team has the potential to bring down your government is no easy matter. Put one nose badly out of joint by not offering a job, or in some cases not offering the right job, and the majority can disappear in one disgruntled flash. So far it seems that Julia Gillard has managed the task well enough with no signs yet of discontent within the Caucus. But keep watching. It is every bit as likely that a rat will emerge in the Labor Caucus ranks as an Independent will change his mind.

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