Dr Gallop questions Premier Court regarding allegations of undeclared conflict of interest by Margaret Lane, a Labor candidate. Premier Court deflects, accusing the Opposition of hypocrisy and suggesting the conflict was reported late.

AnsweredQoN 380Legislative Assembly
Asked
23 November 2000
Member
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to yesterday’s baseless attack by the Premier, under parliamentary privilege, on the Labor candidate for Mitchell and Bunbury City councillor, Margaret Lane, whom he accused of failing to declare a financial interest in the Hay Park recreation centre project. (1) Is the Premier aware that - (a) At no time did she sit on any assessment panel; (b) At no time did she work on the technical details or specifications of the project; and (c) Unlike Government ministers confronted with a similar situation, she declared an interest when it was clear that her husband would tender for work as a subcontractor with one of the bidders? (2) Given that the Premier’s allegations were patently false, will the Premier now do the honourable thing and apologise for misleading this House? Mr COURT

AnswerView source ↗

(1)-(3) Touchy! Although the Opposition raises issues of accountability in this House, it goes on the defensive when a serious accountability issue is raised. That conflict of interest was reported three months after that detail was known. I suggest that the Leader of the Opposition do his homework. Dr Gallop interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members!
(1) Is the Premier aware that - (a) At no time did she sit on any assessment panel; (b) At no time did she work on the technical details or specifications of the project; and (c) Unlike Government ministers confronted with a similar situation, she declared an interest when it was clear that her husband would tender for work as a subcontractor with one of the bidders? (2) Given that the Premier’s allegations were patently false, will the Premier now do the honourable thing and apologise for misleading this House? Mr COURT replied: (1)-(3) Touchy! Although the Opposition raises issues of accountability in this House, it goes on the defensive when a serious accountability issue is raised. That conflict of interest was reported three months after that detail was known. I suggest that the Leader of the Opposition do his homework. Dr Gallop interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members!
(b) At no time did she work on the technical details or specifications of the project; and
(2) Given that the Premier’s allegations were patently false, will the Premier now do the honourable thing and apologise for misleading this House? Mr COURT replied: (1)-(3) Touchy! Although the Opposition raises issues of accountability in this House, it goes on the defensive when a serious accountability issue is raised. That conflict of interest was reported three months after that detail was known. I suggest that the Leader of the Opposition do his homework. Dr Gallop interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members!
Mr COURT replied: (1)-(3) Touchy! Although the Opposition raises issues of accountability in this House, it goes on the defensive when a serious accountability issue is raised. That conflict of interest was reported three months after that detail was known. I suggest that the Leader of the Opposition do his homework. Dr Gallop interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members!
(1)-(3) Touchy! Although the Opposition raises issues of accountability in this House, it goes on the defensive when a serious accountability issue is raised. That conflict of interest was reported three months after that detail was known. I suggest that the Leader of the Opposition do his homework. Dr Gallop interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members!
Dr Gallop interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members!
The SPEAKER: Order, members!

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