[Greens-Media] New leaders must set higher standards

[Susie Gemmell]

29 August 2005
Both Premier Iemma and the new Liberal leader need to give a pledge to clean up their act, said Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today.
"Former NSW Liberal leader John Brogden has paid a fair price for his drunken behaviour." said Ms Rhiannon.
"It is time for all MPs to clean up their act.  
"From drinking on the job to using foul and abusive language in the House, MPs have been steadily losing their standing with the public.
"Brogden's reluctance to resign over his drunken slur reinforces the growing public sense that there is one rule for ordinary workers, and another for MPs.
"His arrogance in this matter has been breathtaking.  After a few years in parliament some men begin to believe that they can get away with behaviour that would not be tolerated anywhere else in public life.
"Last year Labor and Coalition MPs joined forces in the Upper House to vote down a Greens motion that sought to ban MPs drinking on the job. 
"Brogden and Carr failed to show leadership on MPs drinking last year. Now the new leaders of both parties will have to demonstrate that they take their responsibilities as a leader seriously. 
"The Greens will revisit our attempts to ban MPs drinking on the job in the next session of parliament.  We will wait to see if the mood of the House has changed.
 "And perhaps the Australian Hotels Association, who picked up Brogden's tab that night, will be asking for the $85,200 back that they have donated to the NSW Liberals during Brogden's time as leader" said Ms Rhiannon.
More info:  Susie Gemmell 9230 3551 ; 0427 861 568


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Susie Gemmell
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile:  0431 458 102
Email   susie.gemmell at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web    www.leerhiannon.org.au