ID :
17947
Wed, 09/03/2008 - 21:17
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/17947
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Neal must maintain good behaviour: Rudd
Federal Labor MP Belinda Neal has been put on notice that her future in politics depends on her capacity to behave. NSW Police said state and commonwealth prosecutors had recommended that no charges be laid against Ms Neal or her husband, suspended NSW minister John Della Bosca, over events stemming from an altercation at a NSW Central Coast restaurant on June 6.
Ms Neal, who represents the Central Coast seat of Robertson, was accused of bullying staff at Gosford's Iguanas Waterfront restaurant and bar. Her husband was accused of inappropriate conduct when he admitted drafting the club's apology to them.
At the time of the incident, and after revelations that Ms Neal had been suspended from a soccer league over claims she kicked an opponent, Mr Rudd ordered Ms Neal into counselling "concerning a pattern of unacceptable behaviour". "Ms Neal has confirmed she has both carried out and benefited from the counselling," a spokesman for Mr Rudd said in a statement.
"The member for Robertson, like all MPs, must in the future maintain the higher standards of behaviour expected of all members.
"Ms Neal's future in politics, like all other MPs, depends on the member's capacity to meet the standard of behaviour expected by the Australian public."
Ms Neal said earlier on Wednesday that she had been vindicated by the decision to close the case. She also acknowledged she had undergone counselling, but said it had not been about anger management. Ms Neal is alleged to have intimidated and threatened Iguanas' staff during a row sparked by a request for her dining party to move tables. She was also accused of bullying Melissa Batten, who worked in her office, to change her statutory declaration on what occurred on the night. Ms Batten quit her job soon after.
Mr Della Bosca, who was not drinking on the night, admitted driving his wife home from the club, despite previously saying he would not get behind the wheel again after a string of traffic offences. He was suspended from the NSW front bench after it was revealed he drafted an
apology issued to him by Iguanas management.
Ms Neal, who represents the Central Coast seat of Robertson, was accused of bullying staff at Gosford's Iguanas Waterfront restaurant and bar. Her husband was accused of inappropriate conduct when he admitted drafting the club's apology to them.
At the time of the incident, and after revelations that Ms Neal had been suspended from a soccer league over claims she kicked an opponent, Mr Rudd ordered Ms Neal into counselling "concerning a pattern of unacceptable behaviour". "Ms Neal has confirmed she has both carried out and benefited from the counselling," a spokesman for Mr Rudd said in a statement.
"The member for Robertson, like all MPs, must in the future maintain the higher standards of behaviour expected of all members.
"Ms Neal's future in politics, like all other MPs, depends on the member's capacity to meet the standard of behaviour expected by the Australian public."
Ms Neal said earlier on Wednesday that she had been vindicated by the decision to close the case. She also acknowledged she had undergone counselling, but said it had not been about anger management. Ms Neal is alleged to have intimidated and threatened Iguanas' staff during a row sparked by a request for her dining party to move tables. She was also accused of bullying Melissa Batten, who worked in her office, to change her statutory declaration on what occurred on the night. Ms Batten quit her job soon after.
Mr Della Bosca, who was not drinking on the night, admitted driving his wife home from the club, despite previously saying he would not get behind the wheel again after a string of traffic offences. He was suspended from the NSW front bench after it was revealed he drafted an
apology issued to him by Iguanas management.
