[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Personal Apology to Mr Wright Needed!_N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

PREMIER MUST REQUIRE KONS TO ISSUE PERSONAL APOLOGY TO CHRISTOPHER
WRIGHT

And a Bit of Sincerity Wouldn't Hurt Either

Nick McKim MP
Greens Opposition Leader

Friday, 14 November 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today described Steve Kons' "half hearted and
insincere" apology to retired Supreme Court Judge Christopher Wright as
"deeply unsatisfactory" and said that Premier Bartlett's acceptance of
Mr Kons' "apology" demonstrates his disconnect with the Tasmanian
community.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP described Mr Kons' statement to the
Parliament yesterday as "two days late and the least gracious apology I
have ever seen", and said that the only way Mr Kons can redeem the
situation is to apologise in person to Mr Wright, and to do so as if he
really meant it.

"Given Mr Kons' palpable lack of sincerity when making his 'apology' in
Parliament, he now has no option but to contact Mr Wright personally and
apologise like he really means it," Mr McKim said.

"We all make mistakes, but the true test of a person is how they
respond. So far Mr Kons has failed that test."

"This matter has now gone beyond Mr Kons and become a test of Mr
Bartlett's leadership. If he is serious about ending the smear and
innuendo that has poisoned Tasmania under Labor he must intervene and
instruct Mr Kons to do the right thing." 

"Mr Kons' pitiful attempt at an apology to Mr Wright was the least
gracious I have ever witnessed and it comes as no surprise to find that
Mr Wright himself has rejected it as lacking substance."

Mr McKim also said that he was astounded that Premier Bartlett is now
saying that he 'admires Mr Kons for making the apology' when it is
evident that Mr Wright himself considered it inadequate.

"One very clear outcome from this sad affair is that Mr Kons has
demonstrated his complete unsuitability for a Ministerial position, and
Mr Bartlett should now categorically state that while he remains Premier
Mr Kons will never return to the front bench."





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