Question Time

Liberal Party, Sexual Assault Allegations

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:14): My question is to the Premier. Given the Premier's previous answer to the opposition's question, does he have information to suggest that the alleged assailant of Ms Potter has never been in the employ of the state Liberal opposition or government?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:15): I thought it was clear to the member and other members that this is a matter that is entirely within the realm of the complainant to both detail and to progress in a forum that may be appropriate if she chooses to do so. There are—

Mr Malinauskas: But she has chosen The Sydney Morning Herald.

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: The member may be aware, as the rest of us are, of matters that have been aired in the media—

Mr Malinauskas: By Ms Potter.

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —and the particulars of those that have been reported.

Mr Malinauskas: By Ms Potter.

The SPEAKER: Leader!

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: The progress of this matter beyond making a public statement and a desire as to outcomes of future process is entirely a matter for her. I can honestly say that there are a number of occasions, in the times that I was referring to before, of other persons coming to me as a member of the parliament to seek advice on matters of when they did raise concerns, they were not progressed by that person by their election.

What is really important for all of us to do is to make sure that if and when those issues are raised with us, we ensure they have all available options before them so they can make a judgement about how they want to progress that. That is as important today as it was in the past, and I have made a commitment that I will ensure that that is made available in the future.