Carr linked to Meagher police gaffe

By ANTHONY PETERSON

07 October 2002

PREMIER Bob Carr yesterday refused to clarify whether he authorised a leaflet circulated by Cabramatta MP Reba Meagher featuring a photograph of herself and Police Commissioner Ken Moroney.

A quote from Mr Carr and his signature appear on the flipside of the flyer, which was distributed to residents in the Cabramatta electorate without Mr Moroney's permission.

Ms Meagher initially said she sought advice on the material but later issued an apology to an angry Mr Moroney who said he was "filthy" about being used in political propaganda.

Mr Carr's office declined to make any comment and would not answer questions on the Premier's knowledge of the leaflet or the possible disciplining of Ms Meagher.

The flyer promoted the Carr Government's "tough new" minimum sentencing policy.

Opposition Leader John Brogden called for Ms Meagher to resign immediately from her position as parliamentary secretary for police – a role which sees her assist Police Minister Michael Costa.

Mr Brogden said Ms Meagher no longer could work in a constructive way with Mr Moroney after he expressed strong disgust at her behaviour.

"Mr Moroney has made it clear time and time again that he will not be used as a political tool by any party, yet the Member for Cabramatta still tries to use him for her own political advantage.

"Commissioner Moroney has every right to be 'filthy' over Ms Meagher's cynical attempt to bolster her flagging support."

Fairfield Councillor Thang Ngo, who lives in Cabramatta, said he was shocked when he found the flyer in his letterbox. "I honestly thought the NSW Police Commissioner was supporting Reba Meagher's campaign for re-election in Cabramatta and that's just outrageous," Mr Ngo said.

In her apology issued late on Saturday night Ms Meagher said she regretted any offence she caused the commissioner.

"Whilst similar photographs appeared in my local newspaper, I now acknowledge it was an error to use the images in an information newsletter," Ms Meagher said in a statement.

Ms Meagher holds her seat comfortably but at the 1999 election suffered a 4 per cent swing against her after preferences were allocated.