Page 580 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 12 April 1994

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I make this solemn declaration by virtue of the Oaths of the Republic of Vanuatu, conscientiously believing the statements contained in this declaration to be true in every particular.

Madam Speaker, I table that statutory declaration as well. What we are doing is clearing a few of the people involved here from the mud that has been slung by the Liberals opposite. It is a necessary process even though, Madam Speaker, it is I who am under attack.

I would also like to draw attention, Madam Speaker, to a document I have in front of me. Though it is stamped "Confidential", I am advised that I am able to table it. It contains the minutes of a meeting of VITAB Ltd in relation to the deal with ACTTAB. Present at that meeting were Mr Kolomanski and Mr McMahon. On a quorum being established and the meeting being opened, it was resolved that "Michael John Dowd is hereby appointed a Director of Vitab Limited". Funny, that!

Ms Follett: I think Mr De Domenico is apologising.

Mr De Domenico: No, I am not. I am just listening to what he has to say, because he might hang himself again.

MR BERRY: You have accused me of misleading this place on the basis of Mr Dowd not being a director. I have in front of me a piece of paper dated 10 October that makes it clear:

It was resolved that Michael John Dowd is hereby appointed a Director of Vitab Limited.

Mr Humphries: It does not make him a director. You have to have registered it before you do that.

Mr De Domenico: Is he a registered director?

MADAM SPEAKER: Order!

Mr Wood: I take a point of order, Madam Speaker. As you have indicated from time to time, the Government has heard the Opposition in silence, treating this debate as a serious one, and I know that you have affirmed your wish for that to occur. The Opposition have the means, if they so choose - when Mrs Carnell replies, she has that right - to raise issues if they wish. I urge upon you to continue your restraint of the Opposition members.

MADAM SPEAKER: I would advise members in the Opposition to heed that point of order. Continue, Mr Berry.

MR BERRY: Madam Speaker, the information in front of me clarifies that, at least on 10 October 1993, Michael John Dowd was a director of VITAB Ltd, or had been appointed so. It was also resolved at that meeting that VITAB enter into an agreement


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