NSW: ALP firebrand denies stoush with federal frontbencher

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2001
NSW: ALP firebrand denies stoush with federal frontbencher

New South Wales police minister MICHAEL COSTA has played down claims he is engaged
in a major stoush with federal frontbencher MARK LATHAM.

Mr COSTA sparked a furore in state parliament yesterday after describing his federal
colleague's comments on trade unions as silly.

Mr LATHAM later fired back, ordering Mr COSTA to butt out of federal politics and address
the crime issue in his federal seat of Werriwa.

Mr COSTA today denies he is engaged in a stoush with his federal colleague rather than
a disagreement, saying he merely made some throwaway comments.

AAP RTV ls/arb/wz/rp

KEYWORD: COSTA LATHAM (SYDNEY)

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