Personal Explanation

Member for Mount Gambier

Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) (14:33): I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Leave granted.

Mr BELL: I have been charged with offences. The allegations arise from a time before I entered parliament and date back as far as 2009 when I was helping establish youth and social work services in the South-East. I completely deny any wrongdoing or dishonesty and I will defend these charges to fully protect my name and reputation. I have resigned from the Liberal Party. This gives me more time to dedicate to the state district of Mount Gambier. I will remain the member for Mount Gambier and continue to serve the people of the South-East in this parliament and at a local level until at least the general election of 17 March 2018.