Page: 17884
Personal Explanation
Mr THOMAS GEORGE, by leave: Recently the Minister for Local Government said that I had not made representations on behalf of my councils. I refer the Minister to a letter dated 18 July from the Deputy Premier and Treasurer, received in my office on 21 July, which states:
Dear Mr George …
Thank you for your recent letters on behalf of a number of councils in your electorate to the Assistant Treasurer, the Hon. John Della Bosca, MLC, regarding the Commonwealth and New South Wales agreement to provide assistance to local councils affected by the collapse of HIH. The Assistant Treasurer has asked I respond directly to you.
I will not read the whole letter but simply draw it to the attention of the Minister. Whilst he may not have been long in the position, he should get all the information that should be available to him before he makes accusations.