JULIA Gillard failed to consult cabinet about her decision to hold a citizens' assembly on climate change – a fresh setback for Labor as it attempts to increase voter focus on Tony Abbott as new opinion polls suggest a Coalition victory.
The Australian Financial Review understands cabinet did not discuss the politically disastrous idea of a citizens' assembly when it considered the election strategy on climate change last month.
The first many ministers heard of the idea of a citizens' assembly was when Ms ?Gillard announced it 10? days ago.
The revelations appear to contradict the pledge Ms Gillard made when she became Prime Minister that she would restore cabinet's position as the government's key policy decision-making body.
They also follow opposition accusations that Ms Gillard is making policy on the run on other issues.
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