John Tingle says chaos will continue in federal politics

Strong words. But when uttered by a veteran politician and former press gallery member who reported on the split of Labor Party and the Petrov Affair in the early 1950s, they are absolutely telling.

John Tingle retired from state politics 12 years ago but spent a lifetime involved in policy and current affairs reporting.

He says the events that unfolded over the past few days in Canberra could be the death of the Liberal Party as we know it.

Those events have seen Malcolm Turnbull resign and possibly quit politics and Scott Morrison elevated to lead the Liberal Party, defeating Peter Dutton in a three-cornered battle for the top job. Julie Bishop was eliminated from the race in the first round of voting in the party room. Josh Frydenberg is the new deputy leader of the Liberal Party.

Mr Tingle said the problem is that every one of those men and women (in the Liberal Party) know - and the emphasis is on the word 'know' - that they could do the job better than the incumbent prime minister.

"It's in their DNA; they've got the sergeant majors baton under their arms,” he said.

"There are obvious exceptions but Australia really does deserve sensible, democratic government. And we haven't got it.

"No matter who gets the top job, it won't get any better."

Mr Tingle said the chaos was further compounded by the closeness to the next election, which is due prior to May, 2019.

As well, the veteran politician and journalist said, a number of important decisions have been put aside to serve the personal ambitions of some politicians.

"Parliament is not functioning," he added.

With an early election a distinct possibility, Mr Tingle predicted minor parties would probably receive a voter boost "because they are an alternative".

"What needs to happen is to call a general election as quickly as the constitution allows," he said.

"I would say that the only way to solve this issue is to let the Australian public decide.

"My understanding is that it would be possible to hold an election in late October.

"It (an early election) is the only fair thing for the Australian public.

"That is the only fair thing, no matter how difficult it is for the members of parliament."

Mr Tingle said when he was reporting on events in Canberra, people were powerful and they looked for power to do things.

"Now everyone is scrambling over the carcass of a prime minister. Those people crave power for powers' sake. And that's when the community, as a whole, suffers.

"It is an unseemly sight with ministers walking away. It is disgusting."

Mr Tingle said the political climate of the early 1950s involving the Menzies government, the Petrov affair and the schism in the Labor Party is nothing to what we are experiencing now.

"The Labor Party was broken in two with the formation of the Democratic Labor Party around 1953/43,” he said.

"The Petrov affair was a big scandal and the political aspects were enormous. It really shook the foundations.

"But this is much worse," he added.

The Labor Party candidate for Cowper, Andrew Woodward says the election of Scott Morrison to the prime ministership changes nothing on the political landscape.

"This is astounding. This solves nothing. The civil war continues. This is not the end of anything, it is the beginning.

"The reason behind the dumping of Malcolm Turnbull was that he was a moderate. But they have replaced him with another moderate in Scott Morrison. And his deputy is Josh Frydenberg. Another moderate."

Mr Woodward said the internal bickering from the right wing of the party will continue.

The Labor candidate said he was unsure if the new prime minister would enjoy a honeymoon period and that would impact on any possible call for an early election.

"He might try to get a honeymoon period and then call for an election in October. But I'd suggest the right wing of the party will continue to undermine things.

"This really is a botched coup."

The Port News contacted The Greens candidate for Cowper Dr Sally Townley and former federal MP Rob Oakeshott for comment.