Dysfunctional Cabinet Must Address Newman Seat Scandal

Media Release.

SUNDAY 16 JUNE 2013 

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says Ministers attending tomorrow’s State Cabinet must reject the excuses and stalling tactics of the Premier and ensure revelations in taped conversations about finding him a seat in State Parliament are fully investigated.

“Someone in the Newman Government needs to show leadership on this scandal,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The absolute bare minimum the Premier should do is make a statement as soon as possible either publicly or to the Crime and Misconduct Commission about his knowledge of the wheeling and dealing that was going on for his benefit in early 2011."

“Even though the Flegg tapes reveal the Newman Cabinet is highly dysfunctional and split by personal and political animosities, they also reveal conversations giving rise to allegations of political bribery and perjury which demand a full investigation."

“The Premier hides behind the excuse that there is nothing new in the Flegg tapes, but the tapes themselves were not considered by the CMC in its 2011 investigation."

“There are also reports today of a witness at the 2011 inquiry who is preparing to present new evidence to the CMC."

“The conversations revealed in the Flegg tapes had one aim in mind — finding a seat in State Parliament for Campbell Newman."

“That puts the onus on the Premier to act and if he won’t then someone in Cabinet must."

“The Flegg tapes have put yet another cloud over the government and senior levels of the LNP organisation."

“Cabinet Ministers at their meeting tomorrow must put aside their deep divisions and address this scandal or they too will be rightly accused of stonewalling and covering up,” Ms Palaszczuk said.