Published Wednesday, 29 November, 2006 at 01:49 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
SEENEY CENSURED BY QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENT
Opposition Leader Jeff Seeney had crossed the line and deserved his censure in State Parliament today, Premier Peter Beattie said.
Independent Members of Parliament joined with Labor Members to censure Mr Seeney noting his misuse of parliamentary privilege and lack of commitment to upholding the high standards expected of his office.
“Mr Seeney now has another black mark on his record,” Mr Beattie said.
“The public expect high standards from Members of the Queensland Parliament.
“Everytime a member fails to meet those standards it reflects badly on everyone.
“Mr Seeney failed and failed badly.
“He used parliamentary privilege to try and dump a bucket on people unable to defend themselves.
“It was wrong, it was offensive, and if a member of the public made similar allegations outside Parliament they would quickly find themselves before the Courts.
“Mr Seeney claimed entries in the Register of Pecuniary Interests of several current and former members were ‘minimalist’ and inferred there was something suspicious about this.
“He offered no evidence, no facts, nothing at all to back up his unfounded allegations.
“The Liberals didn’t have the guts to criticise Mr Seeney for his poor behaviour but the five Independent Members of Parliament all voted to censure him.
“He crossed the line and his behaviour was inappropriate.
“Mr Seeney needs to lift his game. He promised to change when he was elected as the Leader of the Opposition yet his behaviour over the last couple of days shows he still hasn’t climbed out of the gutter.”
November 29, 2006
Media Contacts: Premier’s Office (07) 3224 4500
Independent Members of Parliament joined with Labor Members to censure Mr Seeney noting his misuse of parliamentary privilege and lack of commitment to upholding the high standards expected of his office.
“Mr Seeney now has another black mark on his record,” Mr Beattie said.
“The public expect high standards from Members of the Queensland Parliament.
“Everytime a member fails to meet those standards it reflects badly on everyone.
“Mr Seeney failed and failed badly.
“He used parliamentary privilege to try and dump a bucket on people unable to defend themselves.
“It was wrong, it was offensive, and if a member of the public made similar allegations outside Parliament they would quickly find themselves before the Courts.
“Mr Seeney claimed entries in the Register of Pecuniary Interests of several current and former members were ‘minimalist’ and inferred there was something suspicious about this.
“He offered no evidence, no facts, nothing at all to back up his unfounded allegations.
“The Liberals didn’t have the guts to criticise Mr Seeney for his poor behaviour but the five Independent Members of Parliament all voted to censure him.
“He crossed the line and his behaviour was inappropriate.
“Mr Seeney needs to lift his game. He promised to change when he was elected as the Leader of the Opposition yet his behaviour over the last couple of days shows he still hasn’t climbed out of the gutter.”
November 29, 2006
Media Contacts: Premier’s Office (07) 3224 4500