Attorney-General Tara Cheyne has issued an apology to Elizabeth Lee, a prominent member of the Liberal Party, after admitting to sending an anonymous text message to ABC Radio Canberra. The message criticized Lee, the former opposition leader, for her conduct towards her successor, sparking a political stir.
The incident unfolded when ABC presenter Ross Solly read the text on air, attributing it to a Labor MLA without naming Cheyne. The message accused Lee of undermining her successor, referencing an incident where Lee was caught on camera making an obscene gesture towards a journalist.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr addressed the Legislative Assembly, stating that he had instructed Cheyne to apologize directly to Lee. Barr emphasized that such behavior was not acceptable for a minister.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began when Solly read the text message on his morning show, noting that he typically refrains from broadcasting such messages but made an exception due to the lack of response from the Liberal Party. The message critiqued Lee’s leadership style and her absence from the Assembly following the October 2024 election.
Lee had taken a leave of absence, supported by Assembly members, after losing the Liberal leadership. The text suggested that Lee’s actions were a continuation of her previous behavior, referencing her middle-finger gesture to a Region Media reporter during a tense press conference.
Political Reactions and Apologies
During a session of question time, Greens leader Shane Rattenbury questioned Chief Minister Barr about the appropriateness of the anonymous message. Barr confirmed that he did not find it acceptable and had requested Cheyne to apologize to Lee, which was subsequently done and accepted.
Barr publicly identified Cheyne as the sender of the message, responding to a query from Greens’ Andrew Braddock about the handling of the situation. Braddock suggested that Barr’s approach might be an attempt to minimize the issue, a claim Barr denied, stating that he acted swiftly to resolve the matter.
“I received an approach from Ms Lee asking for the identification of the member and for an apology, and I undertook to find out and to ask for that apology to be given. It was within a matter of hours, and I’ve subsequently contacted Ms Lee to be assured that the apology was received, and it was,” Barr stated.
Implications and Future Conduct
Despite the controversy, Barr expressed confidence in Cheyne’s ability to remain in cabinet, asserting that she had not breached the ministerial code of conduct. The incident, however, raises questions about the standards of conduct expected from public officials and the handling of internal party disputes.
Opposition Leader Leanne Castley’s shadow cabinet recently endorsed a set of principles aimed at guiding the development and coordination of opposition policies and strategies. This move highlights the ongoing efforts within the party to maintain a cohesive and strategic approach to governance.
The apology and subsequent discussions underscore the delicate balance of political dynamics within the Assembly. As the dust settles, the focus shifts to how both parties will navigate future interactions and maintain decorum in the political arena.
While the immediate issue appears resolved, the incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny public officials face and the importance of maintaining professional conduct, even in the heat of political rivalry.
