Kelvin Thomson (Wills, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

Kelvin Thomson (Wills, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, Mr Speaker, in two newspaper articles.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Please proceed.

Kelvin Thomson (Wills, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Monday’s Australian stated that I had addressed a dinner held at the Coburg Town Hall on Saturday night. I attended the dinner in my electorate. I was surprised by the appearance of Jack Thomas, whose attendance I had no prior knowledge of. I had not attended to provide moral support to Mr Thomas. I left the dinner soon after—well before the speeches—and I did not address the audience. It also follows that a newspaper article in the Daily Telegraph alleging I was associating with Mr Thomas is also incorrect.