Ms CARNEY - 2005-10-11
Were you aware that the police were investigating serious allegations involving the inappropriate disposal of goods from the Papunya store when you visited Papunya in the week commencing 26 September, and have you or your staff been briefed in relation to it? Why did you visit Papunya at the same time as police were investigating this matter, and are you remotely concerned about the perception that may be held by the public as to the timing of your visit?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. Goodness knows what sort of fantasy land she actually inhabits and the conspiracy theories that may be rattling around in her head ...
Ms Carney: We were advised you were there.
Mr HENDERSON: I was very pleased to spend two days with the member for Macdonnell touring through her electorate as the government’s new Minister for Regional Development, Indigenous Economic Development and also Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services. On that particular visit, we visited Hermannsburg, Mutijulu, Yulara, Kings Canyon, Kintore, Papunya and Alice Springs. It was a great two days. During that time, we spoke to many community leaders about many particular issues. As Regional Development Minister, I am going to travel around their electorates with all of our remote members. They know the movers and shakers and the issues in their electorates. I will get my feet on the ground and understand what those issues are first-hand.
Regarding being in Papunya, I have not been briefed by police on any of these issues. The only thing I know about these issues are the reports that are in the papers. As I said, my visit to Papunya was part of something that had been scheduled for a number of weeks. We visited many communities. I wonder what the conspiracy theories are rattling around in the Leader of the Opposition’s head because she has absolutely nothing to put before this parliament other than third-hand allegations that are being tested in the appropriate forums. As Nigel Adlam said in the paper the other day, we are all members of parliament and legislators, and there is a golden thread that runs through justice; that is, people are innocent until proven guilty.
The Leader of the Opposition is doing nothing but peddling third-hand allegations, initiated in large part by the former member for Macdonnell who lost his seat at the last election. It is nothing other than grubby politics. I was proud to visit those communities with the new member for Macdonnell. She is held in very high regard all through her electorate. I am astounded at the connections she has in that electorate. I predict that the member for Macdonnell will hold that seat for many years and serve those people very well. I am very proud to work with her in this government.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. Goodness knows what sort of fantasy land she actually inhabits and the conspiracy theories that may be rattling around in her head ...
Ms Carney: We were advised you were there.
Mr HENDERSON: I was very pleased to spend two days with the member for Macdonnell touring through her electorate as the government’s new Minister for Regional Development, Indigenous Economic Development and also Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services. On that particular visit, we visited Hermannsburg, Mutijulu, Yulara, Kings Canyon, Kintore, Papunya and Alice Springs. It was a great two days. During that time, we spoke to many community leaders about many particular issues. As Regional Development Minister, I am going to travel around their electorates with all of our remote members. They know the movers and shakers and the issues in their electorates. I will get my feet on the ground and understand what those issues are first-hand.
Regarding being in Papunya, I have not been briefed by police on any of these issues. The only thing I know about these issues are the reports that are in the papers. As I said, my visit to Papunya was part of something that had been scheduled for a number of weeks. We visited many communities. I wonder what the conspiracy theories are rattling around in the Leader of the Opposition’s head because she has absolutely nothing to put before this parliament other than third-hand allegations that are being tested in the appropriate forums. As Nigel Adlam said in the paper the other day, we are all members of parliament and legislators, and there is a golden thread that runs through justice; that is, people are innocent until proven guilty.
The Leader of the Opposition is doing nothing but peddling third-hand allegations, initiated in large part by the former member for Macdonnell who lost his seat at the last election. It is nothing other than grubby politics. I was proud to visit those communities with the new member for Macdonnell. She is held in very high regard all through her electorate. I am astounded at the connections she has in that electorate. I predict that the member for Macdonnell will hold that seat for many years and serve those people very well. I am very proud to work with her in this government.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016