Julia Gillard’s partner Tim Mathieson ‘must explain’ reported legal threat against Denis Napthine
THE Victorian government says if Julia Gillard’s partner Tim Mathieson did threaten the premier with legal action, “he needs to explain himself’’.
Mr Mathieson reportedly left a message on Premier Denis Napthine’s electorate office phone on June 11 after he was mentioned in Victorian parliament during a debate about the now-suspended MP Geoff Shaw.
Details of the voice message, published in News Corp Australia newspapers and broadcast on the Seven Network, include threats of legal action and refer to Dr Napthine, a veterinarian, as “Denis the vet’’.
Victoria’s Attorney-General Robert Clark said if Mr Mathieson did leave the message he must explain himself.
“Debates in the parliament are free ranging and people are fully entitled to put the point of view and the materials before the house that they wish to,’’ Mr Clark told reporters.
During debate about Mr Shaw, Dr Napthine referred to a News Corp Australia article from September 17, 2013 that reported Ms Gillard had written a personal cheque for $4243 to the Department of Finance because Mr Mathieson had used her taxpayer-funded car to sell shampoo and hair-care products in Victoria.
“In those contexts it is very important that we look at the precedent of similar cases in Australia and across the world where there have been allegations and even admissions of misuse of parliamentary resources and what action has been taken in those cases,’’ Dr Napthine told parliament on June 11.
The voice message reportedly left by Mr Mathieson said if Dr Napthine “mentions the prime minister’s partner one more time, one more time, there will be a legal action against Denis the vet.’’
“I am not, I am not, anything to do with Geoff Shaw, in any way, shape or form,’’ the caller reportedly said.
“So, if he mentions me one more time, I am telling you right now. OK? That’s it. Bang!’’
Mr Mathieson reportedly declined to comment on the message and the phone used to make the call had been disconnected.
