REMEMBER WHEN

Tuesday November 13, 2006 GOLD COAST BULLETIN

EVERY member of the Beattie Cabinet and backbench was put on notice that they would be dobbed into the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) if they stepped out of line.

Mr Beattie issued the stern warning after fending off claims his Government was in crisis because of the CMC investigations into two former ministers.

Former tourism and racing minister Merri Rose was expected to face court accused of threatening a Government staffer in order to obtain a job in the public service.

Ms Rose allegedly warned the person she would reveal information about them, the organisation or the Government unless she was employed.

The CMC also investigated a $300,000 loan by Queensland businessman Ken Talbot to former health minister Gordon Nuttall. Mr Nuttall had denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Beattie said he did not regret referring both matters to the CMC, even if it embarrassed his Government, and said he would do it again.

In London as part of a 12-day trade mission, Mr Beattie was angry his Government was still being tainted by two scandalprone ministers he had already forced from office for inappropriate behaviour when they were in his Government.

”This is a warning to everybody,’’ he said.

“Everybody should know that if there are matters I am worried about they will go to the CMC regardless of the consequences, even if they are embarrassing. I am determined to have a clean Government.

Both Ms Rose and Mr Nuttall were later jailed, and have since been released.