PM Transcripts

Transcripts from the Prime Ministers of Australia

Howard, John

Period of Service: 11/03/1996 - 03/12/2007
Release Date:
05/05/2002
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
12869
Released by:
  • Howard, John Winston
CREAN FAILS THE ACID TEST ON LATHAM COMMENTS

Simon Crean has failed the test of leadership in refusing to take action over Mark Latham';s despicable description of Tony Staley as “that deformed character”.
The Australian public are still awaiting an unqualified apology from Mr Latham for his tasteless and insensitive remarks.
The Opposition Leader had an opportunity this morning to publicly enforce on his own front bench colleague the higher standards he says he supports.
Instead of disciplining Mr Latham he made excuses for him. He failed the acid test.
The only conclusion that can be drawn is that Mr Crean has encouraged Mr Latham to launch personal attacks on his political opponents. Labor front bencher Carmen Lawrence repudiated these tactics today, but Mr Crean did not.

12869