Darwin News
Independent Gerry Wood Holds Balance Of Power
In its desperation to cling onto power, the Henderson Government has shown it will consult with Indepenent MLA Gerry Wood on issues it has steadfastly refused to discuss with the wider Territory community.
Member for Goyder Kezia Purick said it was the height of hypocrisy that Government Minister Chris Burns said Labor was now finally prepared to consult with Independent MLA Gerry Wood on the location for the planned $300million Weddell prison.
“Previously, the Government has steadfastly refused to consult with the wider community on the location for the prison,” Ms Purick said.
“Litchfield Shire, in which the Government’s proposing the prison will be built, has had no formal talks with Labor despite being one of the key stakeholders.
“The only formal approach by Government was to tell the Shire it’s taking ownership of Jenkins Road.
“Now, with his neck on the chopping block, the Chief Minister finally decides consultation on the prison site might not be a bad thing.
“But instead of consulting with Territorians, Chris Burns says his Government will only negotiate with Gery Wood.
“It’s another sign that Paul Henderson will do anything to hang onto power.
“First he goes grovelling to Marion Scrymgour to get her to return to Labor after she spat the dummy and stormed out of the party over Indigenous homelands – now he decides consultation on the location for the prison might not be a bad idea.
“Territorians will see this latest development as a cynical exercise designed to hang onto Government rather than a genuine attempt to do the right thing by the community.”
2009-08-09
