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PRIME MINI1STER
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE [ RON P J KE-ATING MP
LAWLESS LIBERALS
The Liberal frontbencher Ian McLachlan's approach to theMabo issue is now one of
seeking to brazenly defy a judgement of the High Court. There should be no place for
him in the shadow ministry of a party which genuinely believes in the laws and
institutions of this country.
For some time now I have highlighted the extraordinary arrogance and hypocrisy in the
approach of many Liberals to the Mabo High Court decision. As conservatives, they
stand by the rule of law and the sanctity of private property. But when a decision of
the highest court in the country doesn't suit their vested interests, they say the court is
in error and the decision should be overturned.
Mr McLachlan's performance on ABC Radio this morning was the most flagrant
confirmation to date of this moral bankruptcy. In effect, he endorsed Professor
Blaincy's view that because some Australians of influence do not like the judgement of
the High Court, the Chief Justice should call his court together to explain themselves,
or resign.
His agreement with the " general thrust" of Prof'essor Blainey's incitement to defy the
Court in Adelaide last night is an indictment of the Liberals, and an indictment of Dr
Hewson for failing to pull him into line.
Mr McLachlan also describcd Premnier Court's legislation legilation which Mr
McLachlan endorses as " the start of a process of reversal of the native title decision".
Dr Hewson should dissociate himself from Mr McLachlan's views, and from the
Western Australian legislation now, or stand accused of the same arrogant refusal to
accept the decision of the Court which even Mr Hugh Morgan describes as " the
keystone of the Constitutional arch".
But where was Dr Hewson while this was occurring? Giving Senator Bishop the
political equivalent of another kiss on the cheek in exchange for her hollow assurance
that she doesn't want his job, The Liberal Party leadership is now a vacuum waiting to
be fillecd
CANBERRA 9 November, 1993
Keating, Paul
Period of Service: 20/12/1991 - 11/03/1996
Find more information on Keating, Paul on the:
Release Date:
09/11/1993
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
9028
Document:
00009028.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Keating, Paul John
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON PJ KEATING MP
9028