Fed: Bernardi sacked from shadow ministry for attack on Pyne =3

AAP General News (Australia)
02-19-2009
Fed: Bernardi sacked from shadow ministry for attack on Pyne =3

Senator Bernardi told AAP he was disappointed but accepted it was the Liberal leader's
prerogative to determine the frontbench.

And he disputed that the email in any way identified a serving Liberal MP.

"My comments were part of my story about what motivated me to get involved in activist
politics," he said.

"I went to great lengths not to identify any individual, to say this happened 14 years
ago but it had a key impact on my life.

"I don't regret that because it's true."

Senator Bernardi said Mr Turnbull had set a new benchmark for behaviour by Liberal frontbenchers.

"The action has certainly set a new standard," he said.

"I've lost my shadow parliamentary secretary responsibilities as a result of me referring
to a personal anecdote that had a key impact on my political life and career and involvement.

"I've gone to great pains ... not to identify the individual concerned. I've neither
confirmed nor denied the speculation ... about the name of the individual.

"He's set a very high benchmark and I would expect it to be lived up to by all."

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KEYWORD: LIBERALS BERNARDI 3 CANBERRA

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