Opposition leader Jennifer Smith has reacted to Premier David Saul's recent Cabinet shuffle, saying: "This move obviously portends a General election much sooner than October, 1998.'' In a Press release, Ms Smith, who was unavailable for comment, noted it was the Premier's prerogative to change his Cabinet when and as he sees fit.

She however questioned the timing of the shuffle, saying installing new Ministers into new portfolios just weeks ahead of the Budget debate meant they would barely have time to get up to speed on their responsibilites.