Page 1253 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 23 August 1989
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leader, the choice being between the more reasonable Mr Moore and the more conservative Mr Jensen.
A member: What about Hector?
MR WHALAN: I understand that Hector was not considered for the leadership on that particular occasion. So what happens as a result of these tensions within the Residents Rally? We find that they merely seize on issues as they arise and they seek to make cheap political capital of those issues. It used to be a truism of Federal politics that if you could make a Minister deny something, whatever the nature of the allegation, then you had won the political exchange. The denial becomes the story and the facts become irrelevant.
The matter which has been raised today is therefore a classic example of the political style of the Residents Rally party. They have seized on a minor matter, attempted to elevate its significance, and now seek to require a defence from me. I should say, however, Mr Speaker, that it is a relief for me today to respond to a matter of this consequence. I would like to comment on Dr Kinloch's heartfelt words when he spoke about behaviour in this chamber. I would like to comment on Mr Collaery's words when he spoke about the style, or the mode of conduct, and spoke about proper standards within this chamber.
In the paper last Sunday he was quoted as saying that he had been the target - that is Mr Collaery - of "unremitting personal attacks by Mr Whalan". Mr Speaker, can I take you back, and can I take you back, Hector, to Bernard Collaery's allegations that I had taken a $100,000 bribe. Who made the allegation against whom on that occasion? Hector, can I take you back to the allegations by Mr Collaery that I had sold land at low prices to a particular developer. Who made the allegations on that occasion and against whom? It was Mr Collaery once again.
I remind you, Dr Kinloch, through you, Mr Speaker, of the allegation that I had personally undertaken to allocate the casino licence to a particular property developer. Who made the allegation on that occasion and against whom? I put it to you that the person whose behaviour, allegations, fallacious allegations, indeed mendacious allegations - - -
Mr Jensen: Mr Speaker, I take a point of order. I think it is appropriate that the use of that word be ruled out of order and I seek that you do so in this context. Let us not get back to what started this nonsense.
MR SPEAKER: I request the Deputy Chief Minister to be careful. I assumed he was referring to past tense not present.
MR WHALAN: Mr Speaker, the allegation that I had received a $100,000 bribe is mendacious. The allegation that I had sold land at cheap prices to a particular developer is
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