PM Transcripts

S
PRIME MINISTER
STATEMENT BY THE PRIM MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING MP
SAMANTHA RILEY, AND A LIBERAL PARTY DIRTY TRICK
Tonight I have seen television reports of allegations made against me by Liberal
Senator Ian Campbell, suggesting I had attempted to exclude Samnantha Riley from the
Prime Ministerial Women and Sport Awards.
As I have already made clear today, this claim is totally false and malicious. It is also
an inappropriate and cynical use by the Coalition of a young Australian sporting
champion who is facing an extremely difficult time in her career.
Samantha is already under extreme pressure, and I resent the Liberal Party's
use of incorrect rumours to add to her burden.
This is typical of John Howard's leadership style. He spruiks integrity and honesty, and
then authorises his shadow ministers to tell shameless downright lies.
I was delighted to be advised tonight that the independent commnittee which decides
these awards has in fact confirmed that Samiantha Riley will be a recipient when the
awards are announced on Monday 26 February.
John Howard and Senator Campbell both owe Samantha Riley an apology for trying to
use her name for the most rancid political motives. The man firom Bennelong is going
to use every dirty trick in the book to try to make himself Prime Minister.
CANBERRA 14 February, 1996 ' 1823 2 6/ 96