Guyra based MLC Scot MacDonald said he is incredibly disappointed following the shock resignation of NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell on Wednesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“Barry turned the State of NSW from the financial brink of disaster,” Mr MacDonald said. “He brought discipline to the public sector that had been missing for a long time and he kicked started a comprehensive infrastructure programme.”
“Whoever is the Premier needs to continue that strategy. As a friend of Barry O’Farrell’s, I a feel for him and his family. “
Mr O’Farrell resigned after being caught out over his evidence to a corruption inquiry after a handwritten note was tendered in which he thanked the head of a company linked to the Obeid family for a $3000 bottle of Penfolds Grange Hermitage.
On Tuesday, the Independent Commission Against Corruption heard evidence that Mr O’Farrell was sent the wine by Nick Di Girolamo as a congratulatory gift following his March 2011 election victory.
But under oath Mr O’Farrell denied ever receiving the wine or making the call. This was despite telephone records showing Mr O’Farrell called Mr Di Girolamo at 9.30pm on the day the wine was purchased.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mr O’Farrell said: “I’ve been advised overnight that this morning at ICAC a thank-you note from me in relation to the bottle of wine will be presented.
“I still can’t recall the receipt of a gift of a bottle of 1959 Grange, I can’t explain what happened to that bottle of wine.
“But I do accept that there is a thank-you note signed by me and, as someone who believes in accountability, in responsibility, I accept the consequences of my action.
“The evidence I gave to the independent commission against corruption yesterday was evidence to the best of my knowledge.
“I believe it to be truthful and as I said yesterday it’s important that citizens deal with police, deal with the courts and deal with watchdogs like ICAC in a truthful fashion.
“In no way did I seek to mislead, wilfully or otherwise, the Independent Commission Against Corruption. But this has clearly been a significant memory fail on my part, albeit within weeks of coming to office, but I accept the consequences of my actions.
“And that is that, as soon as I can organise a meeting of the parliamentary Liberal Party for next week, I will be resigning the position and enabling a new Liberal leader to be elected, someone who will then become the Premier of NSW.”