Fed: Federal pollies steer clear of Buswell smear

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2010
Fed: Federal pollies steer clear of Buswell smear

CANBERRA, April 27 AAP - Federal politicians have refused to condemn Western Australian
treasurer Troy Buswell for having an affair with Greens MP Adele Carles.

Mr Buswell confirmed he had a four-month affair with Ms Carles on Monday, and admitted
misusing a ministerial car and hotel entitlement to facilitate it.

WA premier Colin Barnett is expected to sack the treasurer on Tuesday, given Mr Buswell's
history of making false travel claims.

Despite Mr Buswell's questionable conduct, opposition legal affairs spokesman George
Brandis wasn't willing to condemn his Liberal party colleague.

"If, in particular, the manner of their private life suggests that some of their public
positions are hypocritical or insincere, I think the public has the right to know that,"

he told Sky News.

"But leaving aside issues of bad character and hypocrisy, as long as private conduct
doesn't impinge upon public duties, then there is a private sphere for people in public
life."

Small Business Minister Craig Emerson said private lives were not fair fodder for political
attacks.

"I'm afraid I can't enlighten you on what may or may not be the right or the wrong
thing in relation to Mr Buswell," he said.

"Private lives should remain private ... except to the extent that if there is any
issue of taxpayers' funds involved."

Dr Emerson said only when that happened, or a parliamentarian traded on a virtuous
reputation, did their private indiscretions become legitimate public interest.

AAP bsb/rl/maur

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