Member For Sanderson In Trouble Again

The Member for Sanderson, Len Kiely, has once again been caught behaving in a totally unacceptable manner and bringing the Martin Government into disrepute in the process.

The latest transgression of the Member for Sanderson was to secretly tape a Wulagi Neighbourhood Watch meeting on the 12th of April which resulted in a formal complaint being made to the Government.

Aside from being unethical, secretly taping public meetings is in direct contravention of the integrity and honesty provisions of the Parliamentary Code of Conduct.

"Len Kiely had no legitimate purpose in secretly taping a meeting of volunteers trying to improve the safety of their community,” says Terry Mills, Deputy Opposition Leader.

The Code of Conduct integrity provision states: high standards of personal integrity among elected officials is crucial to the viability of democratic institutions.

"Len Kiely may think there are no problems with politicians secretly taping public meetings,” says Mr Mills.

"Well I've got news for him – it's a fundamental breach of trust not to ask people whether they mind being recorded.

"Kiely is also in breach of the honesty provisions of the Code which states: Members are expected to act honestly in all their official dealings, and ensure they do not mislead the public…

"Not telling people that they are being recorded is both dishonest and misleading.

"Len Kiely should apologise, in writing, to everyone who was at the meeting.

"Once that's done the Chief Minister, Clare Martin, must discipline the Member for Sanderson.

"How the Chief Minister handles this situation will be an important measure of her commitment to integrity and honesty.”

2007-05-10