[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Bartlett Must Demand Full Public Apology From Kons to Wright_N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

BARTLETT SILENCE CONDONES KONS' ATTACK ON WRIGHT

Comments Must be Withdrawn & Prompt Public Apology Issued
 
Nick McKim MP
Greens Opposition Leader

Thursday, 13 November 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today described as 'disappointing and hypocritical'
Premier David Bartlett's refusal to front up and say whether he has
demanded that disgraced back-bencher Steve Kons withdraw his vindictive
comments made during Parliamentary Committee hearings and apologise to
retired Supreme Court Judge Christopher Wright.

Greens Opposition Leader Nick McKim MP said that it is extraordinary
that the Premier does not comprehend that his failure to require Mr Kons
to issue a public, prompt and unequivocal apology to Mr Wright has
become a major test of his credibility and leadership, which is fast
assuming Lennonesque overtones.

"Mr Bartlett has today missed another chance to condemn the smear and
innuendo which have poisoned the political and public debate in Tasmania
under successive Labor governments," Mr McKim said.

"For the second day running the Premier has refused to say whether he
will require Mr Kons to withdraw his vindictive comments and issue a
public apology to Mr Wright following his unprecedented and cowardly
attack under Parliamentary Privilege, and it beggars belief that David
Bartlett cannot see how this is impacting upon his own leadership."

"This unfortunate issue transcends the personal opinion that David
Bartlett may hold on the Upper House Committee and its process, and it
has now become a major test of his own credibility and leadership."

"Tasmanians would be justified to wonder whether Mr Bartlett was fair
dinkum when he said that he wanted to be 'part of a Tasmania that is
about positivity and is not about smear and innuendo', or whether this
is just another example of saying one thing and doing another."

"Are Labor so desperate to find other fall guys to blame that they have
forgotten that upon the appointment of Mr Wright to the RPDC Pulp Mill
Panel, former Premier Paul Lennon described Mr Wright as "an eminent
Tasmanian" and one who , "the public can have the utmost confidence in
his integrity and understanding of Tasmania". (Media Statement issued by
Paul Lennon as Premier, 31 January 2007).

"Mr Wright deserves better, and the Tasmanian people have a right to
expect that the Premier will take charge of his backbenchers when their
behaviour again risks bringing Tasmania's reputation in disrepute," Mr
McKim said.




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