25/08/06
I have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of my Government.
Yesterday, in the Corruption and Crime Commission, evidence was given relating to the Member for Ballajura, John D'Orazio.
I was briefed on that evidence yesterday afternoon.
As you know, taped phone conversations and video surveillance footage involving Mr D'Orazio and the person at the centre of the CCC investigation, Pasquale Minniti, were played at the hearing.
Today, Mr D'Orazio gave evidence at the inquiry.
In light of these events, this is what I have decided.
In my view, Mr D'Orazio's behaviour constitutes serious misconduct.
Mr D'Orazio showed appalling judgement by agreeing to meet Mr Minniti and discuss his traffic problems - no matter what the outcome of those discussions.
Mr D'Orazio's subsequent phone-call to a police officer referred to him by Mr Minniti was also grossly inappropriate.
His actions left himself exposed and showed a complete disregard for the Government, the Labor Party and his colleagues.
In my view, he should have rejected any approach of this type by Mr Minniti - outright.
It must be remembered, that at the time of the initial contact on May 8 this year, Mr D'Orazio was still a Minister of the Crown and in the midst of a raging controversy.
The public is entitled to question whether Mr D'Orazio has learned anything from his previous experiences.
As I have said, I have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of my Government.
I have therefore decided that Mr D'Orazio should not remain in my Government - even in his role as a Labor backbencher.
This afternoon, I told Mr D'Orazio that his position in the party was untenable and I asked for his resignation.
Mr D'Orazio has agreed to this request.
I have told the State Secretary of the ALP to handle this matter from here on.
I said yesterday that misconduct will not be tolerated - and I meant it.
I first became aware that Mr Minniti was under investigation through recent media reports.
Last Tuesday, Mr D'Orazio approached me in my parliamentary office and advised he had been summonsed to appear at the CCC inquiry.
He said the CCC had taped conversations between himself and Mr Minniti.
Mr D'Orazio characterised Mr Minniti as a serial pest who offered to assist him in resolving his traffic problems.
Mr D'Orazio said he had rejected Mr Minniti's overtures and he assured me he had done nothing improper.
As the matter was before the CCC, I told Mr D'Orazio not to tell me any more.
In my view it was crucial that I did nothing that might jeopardise the CCC inquiry.
It was a very brief conversation.
I subsequently advised my closest staff of the conversation with Mr D'Orazio but took the matter no further.
In my view there was nothing I could have, or should have done, because this issue was in the hands of the CCC and would be aired in a public hearing.
The evidence that has emerged from the inquiry cannot be ignored and must be seen in the context of previous controversies and their cumulative impact.
I do not believe I have any alternative to the course of action I have just outlined.
Premier's office - 9222 9475
