Mrs HICKEY - 1996-11-21
During the August sittings, the Minister for Health Services was asked whether his department had ever transferred information to the Country Liberal Party. He told the House that he refused to answer that question until he was fully briefed. He said: `When I am asked questions of the seriousness he implies, I will not answer off the top of my head and allow him to quote back possible inaccuracies to me from Hansard. I will obtain, and he will receive, a full answer to the question'. Five days later, the Minister for Health Services told the House: `The member for Wanguri asked for a categorical denial in his original question. I give him that categorical denial'. Is the minister aware of the Westminster principle of ministerial responsibility which dictates that a minister who misleads the House must resign?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am aware of that principle. In relation to the question that was asked in the August sittings, I give again a categorical denial that Territory Health Services is the subject of unsubstantiated allegations which are also now the subject of an ongoing police investigation. No one has come near me and, on all the evidence that has been presented, they are unsubstantiated allegations. I maintain my categorical denial that Territory Health Services ever passed information to the CLP.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am aware of that principle. In relation to the question that was asked in the August sittings, I give again a categorical denial that Territory Health Services is the subject of unsubstantiated allegations which are also now the subject of an ongoing police investigation. No one has come near me and, on all the evidence that has been presented, they are unsubstantiated allegations. I maintain my categorical denial that Territory Health Services ever passed information to the CLP.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016