Barry O'Sullivan (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise tonight to address some serious allegations made in the Senate earlier today by Senator Waters. Those allegations were directed at the Premier of Queensland, the Hon. Campbell Newman. This is the second time that Senator Waters has used parliamentary privilege to put forward facts that have neither been tested nor verified where the Premier of Queensland is concerned. Allegations have been made against senior and prominent members of the Queensland government and public service, including the Auditor-General, and reflections have been made on a number of public companies in my state who are involved in the resources industry. But tonight I want to specifically address the issues raised earlier today, where allegations were made. I will now refer to the Hansard record:

Sibelco helped him out to the tune of about $90,000. What do you know—once he assumes the premiership he then retrospectively reinstates their expired mining lease. If that is not corruption, I do not know what is.

There can be no more serious or more damaging allegation made against a person in public office than that of corruption. Senator Waters went on to say:

We have heard how he has taken money in, I believe, a corrupt manner prior to the election and then granted a particular favour …

The second most serious allegation that can be made against a member of any parliament or public official is that they grant a favour in exchange for a benefit or a payment. Even when Senator Waters was encouraged by the chair to withdraw the accusations, she reflected upon her withdrawal by saying,

… but I do note that the inference remains. When you take money and then retrospectively validate an expired mining lease …

Campbell Newman, the Premier of Queensland, did not receive one cent either in a monetary form or in some deferred benefit from the company—

Senator Ludwig interjecting—

I will produce the evidence for you from Sibelco.

Senator Ludwig interjecting—

I will take that on board.