- Theo Theophanous' statement
- The Age
- 13/10/2008 Make a Comment
- Contributed by: The Rooster ( 264 articles in 2008 )
Theo Theophanous' statement today:
"Following a series of rumours over the last week or so, today I decided to contact the Victoria Police and ask them if a formal complaint, which involved me, had been lodged with them and whether they were inquiring into it. They confirmed that this was the case.
While I have not been advised by police as to the nature of that complaint, I have been advised that police are conducting interviews in relation to the matter.
I have been further advised that Victoria Police may wish to interview me in the near future in relation to their inquiries.
I feel strongly that if a Minister is the subject of a formal complaint which is being investigated by the police, he or she should stand down until the matter is cleared up.
For this reason, I spoke to the Premier this afternoon and informed him that I would be temporarily standing aside as Minister until this issue is resolved.
Further, I will be seeking leave from Parliament this week in order to finalise this matter as quickly as possible.
I have always conducted myself with the highest degree of probity and professionalism and I hold dear the principles of Ministerial Responsibility and Accountability.
I would request that the media allow the police to conduct their inquiries in the appropriate way, without unfounded speculation that could prejudice their inquiries.
It is not for me, but a matter for the police, as to when or if they wish to publicly disclose the nature of their inquiries.
I know that my decision to stand down will come as a shock to my extended family, my friends and the community that supports me. I know that they will be concerned about me and my family and I want to assure them that I have no case to answer. But I equally believe that I have a responsibility as a Minister in such a successful government to act with complete propriety and to step aside until this matter is resolved.
Even though I know that I have done nothing wrong, the test for Ministers in a Government is rightly high. I am aware of my responsibilities to protect the government, and the work it is doing for Victorians.
I trust that the media will afford me and my family the time and privacy to work through this issue.
At this time I am advised it is best not to take questions on this issue as it is a police matter.''
"Following a series of rumours over the last week or so, today I decided to contact the Victoria Police and ask them if a formal complaint, which involved me, had been lodged with them and whether they were inquiring into it. They confirmed that this was the case.
While I have not been advised by police as to the nature of that complaint, I have been advised that police are conducting interviews in relation to the matter.
I have been further advised that Victoria Police may wish to interview me in the near future in relation to their inquiries.
I feel strongly that if a Minister is the subject of a formal complaint which is being investigated by the police, he or she should stand down until the matter is cleared up.
For this reason, I spoke to the Premier this afternoon and informed him that I would be temporarily standing aside as Minister until this issue is resolved.
Further, I will be seeking leave from Parliament this week in order to finalise this matter as quickly as possible.
I have always conducted myself with the highest degree of probity and professionalism and I hold dear the principles of Ministerial Responsibility and Accountability.
I would request that the media allow the police to conduct their inquiries in the appropriate way, without unfounded speculation that could prejudice their inquiries.
It is not for me, but a matter for the police, as to when or if they wish to publicly disclose the nature of their inquiries.
I know that my decision to stand down will come as a shock to my extended family, my friends and the community that supports me. I know that they will be concerned about me and my family and I want to assure them that I have no case to answer. But I equally believe that I have a responsibility as a Minister in such a successful government to act with complete propriety and to step aside until this matter is resolved.
Even though I know that I have done nothing wrong, the test for Ministers in a Government is rightly high. I am aware of my responsibilities to protect the government, and the work it is doing for Victorians.
I trust that the media will afford me and my family the time and privacy to work through this issue.
At this time I am advised it is best not to take questions on this issue as it is a police matter.''
Source: https://www.theage.com.au/national/theo-theophanous-statement-20081013-4zs9.html
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