NSW: Political donations debate sidelined for spiv naming spree

AAP General News (Australia)
04-09-2008
NSW: Political donations debate sidelined for spiv naming spree

SYDNEY, April 9 AAP - Discussion about the future of political donations in NSW was
temporarily sidelined today while state politicians indulged in some name-calling.

Both the NSW government and the opposition were quick to label members on both sides
of the lower house "spivs" - a British term for a well-dressed man involved in dubious
schemes or scams.

The trading of insults came during question time, as the NSW opposition asked why Planning
Minister Frank Sartor had not adopted a recommendation from the corruption watchdog regarding
development applications and political donors.

The recommendation followed revelations Mr Sartor had taken over a development application
before Penrith Council from Jacfin, a company owned by Jackie Waterhouse.

Ms Waterhouse donated $300,000 to the Labor Party in three $100,000 instalments between
September 2005 and February 2007.

In responding to the question, Mr Sartor took pot-shots at the opposition, labelling
it hypocritical because it had recently held a major fundraiser.

The minister then took exception to Hawkesbury MP Ray Williams, who continually interjected
over his response.

"Well, you look like a spiv, you talk like a spiv, you act like a spiv and you are
a spiv," Mr Sartor told the parliament while looking at Mr Williams.

Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell was quickly on his feet telling Speaker Richard Torbay
the opposition objected to such behaviour.

However, Mr O'Farrell then engaged in some name calling of his own.

"He's the biggest spiv in this place," Mr O'Farrell told the parliament while pointing
at Mr Sartor.

Mr Sartor later retracted his comments at the request of Mr Williams.

AAP nr/hn/goc/de

KEYWORD: DONATIONS SPIV

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