Mr MALEY - 2003-02-26
In late December last year, a senior member of your staff, Charlie Phillips, acting on your behalf, gave a pledge of $10 000 to a charity function, and then inadvertently failed to hang up the telephone receiver properly and went on to defame and personally insult a well respected Darwin business family. It was reported in the Northern Territory News, and I can table the particular article to remind you, since you were on holidays. Chief Minister, it has been nearly seven weeks since that event. Would you tell Territorians today what you have done to discipline Mr Phillips and, if you have done, or propose to do nothing, why you have condoned such outrageous conduct? I seek leave to tender that newspaper article.
Leave granted.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the issue of support of a community event was one we were proud to support, and we did. I believe, from all reports, it was an excellent community event in the Darwin River area, with hundreds of people attending. I was there next morning and there were still lots of people there, so obviously it was a good event.
Unfortunate things happen from time to time, and the ministerial officer involved wished it had not happened. He has had discussions subsequently to apologise, and that is where the matter ends. I am confident that that is it. The whole issue was really about $10 000 support; that was done. It was a good fundraiser and people had a good time. If the member for Goyder thinks an apology is not adequate, then I am sorry for him because, in these circumstances, as far as I am concerned, and as far as the parties are concerned, I accept an apology, and I am sure all parties did.
Leave granted.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the issue of support of a community event was one we were proud to support, and we did. I believe, from all reports, it was an excellent community event in the Darwin River area, with hundreds of people attending. I was there next morning and there were still lots of people there, so obviously it was a good event.
Unfortunate things happen from time to time, and the ministerial officer involved wished it had not happened. He has had discussions subsequently to apologise, and that is where the matter ends. I am confident that that is it. The whole issue was really about $10 000 support; that was done. It was a good fundraiser and people had a good time. If the member for Goyder thinks an apology is not adequate, then I am sorry for him because, in these circumstances, as far as I am concerned, and as far as the parties are concerned, I accept an apology, and I am sure all parties did.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016