Madonna King (Brisbane Times, 22.1.15) writes that Campbell Newman needs to answer some crucial integrity questions. She cites example of the alleged lie to Alan Jones about the Acland mine. ‘Later, the company at the centre of the mine’s expansion made a massive donation to the premier’s political party – allegedly to the tune of almost $1 million. And guess what? Campbell Newman changed his mind, and the mine’s expansion was back on the agenda and approved’. This, she writes, is a serious accusation that goes to the trust, honesty and accountability of both Campbell Newman personally, and his government more broadly.
‘And what’s the premier, who hissed like a cat every time his personal integrity was questioned during the 2012 election campaign (when he was allegedly making this promise) doing about it? Silence, despite numerous requests to answer it. At least until Wednesday, when he was forced into a response-of-sorts because journalists wouldn’t play his game and stop asking questions. And what was his response? It was rubbish – Labor muck-racking.’