The Hon. John Della Bosca MLC: Iguanas Waterfront Restaurant Incident

The Hon. JOHN DELLA BOSCA, by leave: I wish to make a personal explanation. Members will be aware of the controversy concerning events at the Iguana bistro early on the night of Friday 6 June. Last Monday I provided the Premier with a statement concerning these events, which the Premier subsequently authorised to be released publicly. I seek leave to table that statement.

Leave granted.

Members will also be aware that the matter is now the subject of a police investigation. I can assure members of the House that I will be cooperating with that investigation. I understand that the matter has been referred by the Leader of the Opposition in the other place to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Part of my statement to the Premier concerned my answer to a question in this House on Tuesday 13 May when I indicated my intention not to drive. In my statement to the Premier I explained the circumstances that compelled me to drive on the night of 6 June. I believe every other member of this House would have done the same thing in the same circumstances. I can assure the House that the only drink I had that night was mineral water. With respect to other matters, I am sure members will agree that it would be entirely inappropriate for me to use parliamentary privilege to prejudice or influence any investigation that may be underway.

Today I advised my party caucus that I have stood aside as Leader of the Government in this place during the investigation. The Hon. Michael Costa will act in this capacity. In relation to portfolio responsibilities, as my colleague the Leader of the House has already reported, matters relating to education and training are being administered by the Hon. John Hatzistergos, matters relating to industrial relations and Minister assisting the Minister of Finance are being administered by the Hon. Eric Roozendaal, and matters relating to the Central Coast are being administered by the Hon. Tony Kelly.