Labor Party involved in cover-up over Penny Easton affair

12/4/95

Premier Richard Court today said the Labor Party was now involved in a massive cover-up to protect Federal Minister Carmen Lawrence over the Penny Easton affair.

Mr Court said personal handwritten letters from Brian Easton to Dr Lawrence outlining allegations which were later contained in the false petition were in the possession of Dr Lawrence for nearly three weeks before the petition was tabled.

"The personal handwritten letters addressed to Dr Lawrence were received by the Premier on October 17, 1992," Mr Court said.

"The petition was tabled on November 5, 1992.

"Dr Lawrence has maintained in State Parliament and publicly that she only knew of the details of the issue just before it was tabled.

"Former senior cabinet ministers have refuted this and have said that she was the driving force behind this disgraceful petition to further her own political interests.

"The integrity of government in Western Australia at its highest level has now been questioned and that is why the whole affair needs to be fully exposed to public scrutiny.

"It is time to examine the events surrounding Dr Lawrence's contacts with Brian Easton, the involvement and use of her staff in the affair, and the knowledge and involvement of other politicans before the petition was tabled.

"The public has a right to know the full details surrounding the most tragic and scandalous event in WA's political history.

"The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Jim McGinty, has a moral and political responsibility to explain fully, rather than trying to cover up, this disgraceful incident."