I WRITE to respond to yet another attempted smear by M. Corrigan in his letter to the SCR. Before I respond directly, I note that while Mr Corrigan talks of transparency, he fails to mention that he was a candidate against my party at the last state election. He neglected to acknowledge that he actively supported the campaign of opposing council candidates during my time on Shoalhaven City Council and he omitted that he has previously worked in the offices of NSW Greens MPs. He also made several baseless and spurious complaints to council’s Code of Conduct Committee during my time on council. All things he is entitled to do – but it would be completely hypocritical for Mr Corrigan to talk of transparency without being quite clear on his own political background.
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I note that Mr Corrigan has said in his letter that “there is no suggestion that our local MPs have personal involvement in the illegal practices subject to the current ICAC hearings”. However, the entirety of Mr Corrigan’s letter attempts to paint a picture of some convoluted impropriety on my part. At all times, I have completely and absolutely complied with the law and if he has any evidence to the contrary – he should put up – or shut up.
Secondly, I’d point out to Mr Corrigan that I chair the state’s Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters – a committee comprising members from both sides of politics. We oversee the state’s Electoral Commission and Electoral Funding Authority and will continue to argue for electoral law reform that raises the bar on standards so that people can have confidence in their elected representatives. I would remind Mr Corrigan that under former Premier Barry O’Farrell, we attempted to ban third party contributors such as corporations and unions. On this point – one must ask, if you don’t have a vote – why would you want to contribute? Clearly you want something in return. Who opposed this measure in parliament? The Labor Party. Who took this matter to the High Court and had the legislation overturned? The union movement – so that they can continue to control members of the parliamentary Labor Party and procure their desired outcomes.
I am genuinely disgusted at the claims being made at the ICAC, but these proceedings relate to three MPs on the central coast. No claims have been made against myself or Mrs Hancock – and nor will there be. I have fought against corrupt and inappropriate practices every day of my political life – and will always do so. Rather than engage in a campaign of smear, I would ask that Mr Corrigan engage in a genuine discussion about campaign finance reform and assist me in fighting to raise the standards of those in government.
G. Ward MP,
Member for Kiama.
Chair – NSW Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters.
