[Greens-Media] Costa's expulsion: Iemma should impose three strikes and he's out rule

[Alison Orme]

Media Release - 21 June 2007

Costa's expulsion: Iemma should impose three strikes and he's out rule

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has called on Premier Iemma to discipline
Treasurer Michael Costa by imposing a 'three strikes and you're out'
rule, following his expulsion from the NSW Upper House during question
time for refusing to withdraw insulting comments he made about Liberal
MP Greg Pearce.

"It's high time Premier Iemma demanded Treasurer Costa pull his head
in," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The 'three strikes and you're out' rule could serve as a useful
reminder to Treasurer Costa that his current behaviour is utterly
unacceptable and needs reigning in.

"Mr Costa is a serial offender whose arrogance only serves to downgrade
the institution of parliament in the eyes of the public.

"It is ironic that Mr Costa was expelled on the same day parliament is
due to consider a new code of conduct for MPs. 

"The Greens recommendation that MPs should carry out their duties
without abusing other MPs was ignored when this new code of conduct was
drawn up.

"The Greens congratulate the new President of the NSW Legislative
Council, Mr Peter Primrose, for acting independently and expelling Mr
Costa for 'gross misconduct'.

"This expulsion of an MP from parliament is an extremely rare event. It
should be an embarrassment to the Iemma government.

"Treasurer Costa is the bully boy of NSW parliament, using the chamber
as his playground to intimidate others. 

"Mr Costa needs to stop the game playing and get on with the real job
of governing NSW," Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information:  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