Opposition questions the Premier regarding the Member for Scarborough's potential conflict of interest due to her family business's development interests and her representations to local councillors. The Premier defends the Member's actions, stating that MPs should engage with constituents and stakeholders.

AnsweredQoN 78Legislative Assembly
Asked
25 November 2008
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

MEMBER FOR SCARBOROUGH — CODE OF CONDUCT
(1) Given that the Premier has made light of the potential conflict of interest surrounding the member for Scarborough’s family business, is he aware that the member for Scarborough has made, on behalf of her family business, personal representations and inquiries to local councillors about the development of this site? (2) Why does the Premier not acquaint himself with the full facts before he rushes in to defend the improper actions of his members? Mr C.J. BARNETT

AnswerView source ↗

(1)-(2) Members of Parliament should make representations to everyone involved in an issue. They should talk to their constituents. They need to listen to both points of view. I do not have to defend it, because I would positively support every member of Parliament in this house doing that. I do not see the Leader of the Opposition’s point. He is trying to imply, in some sort of sense, that something wrong has been done. If the Leader of the Opposition has an accusation to make, he should be a man and stand up and make it, and we will deal with it.
(2) Why does the Premier not acquaint himself with the full facts before he rushes in to defend the improper actions of his members? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) Members of Parliament should make representations to everyone involved in an issue. They should talk to their constituents. They need to listen to both points of view. I do not have to defend it, because I would positively support every member of Parliament in this house doing that. I do not see the Leader of the Opposition’s point. He is trying to imply, in some sort of sense, that something wrong has been done. If the Leader of the Opposition has an accusation to make, he should be a man and stand up and make it, and we will deal with it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(2) Members of Parliament should make representations to everyone involved in an issue. They should talk to their constituents. They need to listen to both points of view. I do not have to defend it, because I would positively support every member of Parliament in this house doing that. I do not see the Leader of the Opposition’s point. He is trying to imply, in some sort of sense, that something wrong has been done. If the Leader of the Opposition has an accusation to make, he should be a man and stand up and make it, and we will deal with it.
(1)-(2) Members of Parliament should make representations to everyone involved in an issue. They should talk to their constituents. They need to listen to both points of view. I do not have to defend it, because I would positively support every member of Parliament in this house doing that. I do not see the Leader of the Opposition’s point. He is trying to imply, in some sort of sense, that something wrong has been done. If the Leader of the Opposition has an accusation to make, he should be a man and stand up and make it, and we will deal with it.

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