The state government went into damage control yesterday with the resignation of Barry O’Farrell as premier, less than a year from the next election.
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Frontbenchers, including Maitland MP and Minister for Heritage and Environment Robyn Parker, are expected to vote on a replacement from the party ranks in coming days, with Health Minister Jillian Skinner a likely candidate.
“We have achieved a great deal in Maitland over the past three years and my dedication to serving our community does not change dependent on who is premier,” Ms Parker said in a statement.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to higher standards in political office and is in stark contrast to the previous Labor government.”
Certain members of the Australian Labor Party, itself no stranger to scandal, said the events leading to Mr O’Farrell’s resignation could further hurt the reputation of politicians in general.
“It probably will hurt the Coalition and people have to make up their own minds on who they can trust, but Labor has moved on,” Labor candidate for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said.
Mr O’Farrell was caught in a lie at the Independent Commission Against Corruption this week and resigned yesterday morning. ICAC heard evidence on Tuesday that the then chief executive of Obeid-linked company Australian Water Holdings, Nick Di Girolamo, sent Mr O’Farrell the $2978 bottle of 1959 Penfolds Grange Hermitage about April 20, 2011.
A thank you note later tendered to ICAC confirmed this and prompted Mr O’Farrell’s resignation.
Only last year did ICAC find former Labor ministers Ian MacDonald and Eddie Obeid acted corruptly to create a mining tenement over the Obeid family farm in the Bylong Valley.
Ms Aitchison said she had no qualms running as a Labor candidate since the introduction of guidelines for members.
“I am very enthusiastic about the reforms John Robertson has brought to Labor and it makes me very keen to run for the party,” she said.
“If you don’t have these clear rules and don’t engage with them there is no place in politics for you.”
Cessnock MP and Labor Party member Clayton Barr said Mr O’Farrell’s questionable conduct risked tarring all elected representatives with the same brush.
“It’s disappointing,” Mr Barr said.
“This type of behaviour labels all politicians regardless of their position in Parliament.”
