Personal Explanation

BOAG, MR J.

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (17:56): I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Leave granted.

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH: By media release issued on Tuesday 28 April, and subsequently by radio broadcast and press conference on Wednesday 29 April, I imputed of and concerning Mr John Boag (the State Treasurer of the ALP) that he had been a party to corruption and was prepared to abuse his position of trust as Treasurer of the ALP for improper purposes. I unreservedly withdraw any such imputation, and I apologise to Mr Boag for any distress caused to him, which I note was aggravated by my failure to properly investigate materials which came to my attention and which were the basis for my publications.

[Sitting suspended from 17:57 to 19:30]

Mrs GERAGHTY: Mr Speaker, I draw your attention to the state of the house.

A quorum having been formed: