[Greens-Media] Cardinal Pell to be investigated by Parliamentary Privileges committee

[Alison Orme]

Media Release - 15 June 2007

Cardinal Pell to be investigated by Parliamentary Privileges committee


Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has been successful in her bid to have the NSW
Upper House Privileges Committee investigate whether Cardinal George
Pell's comments made last week, attempting to influence MPs' vote on
stem cell research legislation, constitute contempt of parliament.

"The President of the Upper House has agreed to my request that the
Privileges Committee investigate the proprietary of Cardinal Pell's
comments," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Cardinal Pell's outburst of 'muscular Catholicism' will now come under
the microscope.

"I am concerned about the presence on the Privileges Committee of
Reverend Fred Nile and Christian Right Labor MP Greg Donnelly, who made
tribute during his inaugural speech to "an extraordinary person, Pope
John Paul II and Senator Brian Harradine". 

"I urge both Reverend Nile and Mr Donnelly to leave their religious
beliefs at home when they examine this matter.

"Cardinal Pell has shown no remorse for his comments that there will be
‘consequences’ for Catholic MPs who do not vote against the
therapeutic cloning bill.

"The Archbishop has refused to cease his special brand of meddling,
despite a widespread public outcry that his statements were
inappropriate.

"Hopefully this referral will act as a warning to Cardinal Pell that he
should refrain from launching a fresh assault on Upper House MPs who are
yet to cast a vote on this important bill.

"I hope the Privileges Committee will move quickly in their
investigation as there is considerable concern in the community over
Pell's attempts to exert influence over the democratic process in NSW.

"The Greens welcome this matter being investigated by the Privileges
Committee and look forward to receiving its final report,” Ms Rhiannon
said.

The composition of the Upper House Privileges Committee can be found
at:
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/Committee.nsf/0/BDDE962378C97994CA256CF400831C46


Contact: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au