Labor revives campaign to oust G-G

By EMMA MACDONALD

The Queen's departure from Australia prompted Labor to resume its attack on Governor-General Peter Hollingworth yesterday.

But at the same time, Dr Hollingworth reiterated his resolve to stay in the position.

Labor Leader Simon Crean said the office of governor-general was being diminished daily.

"The office has to stand as a symbol of unity and representation for the nation. That's what the office must stand for and the longer he persists with this approach the more I think the office will be diminished," Mr Crean said.

"The office is being embroiled in controversy and the office is being affected daily. Daily we see withdrawals of endorsement for the Governor-General."

Mr Crean called on Dr Hollingworth to resign or for decisive action from Prime Minister John Howard.

Dr Hollingworth's patronage of community organisations continues to be debated with the Bangarra Aboriginal dance company asking for his resignation over the weekend.

This follows a decision by Barnardos Australia to remove him as their patron.

Last night members of the executive of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists were meeting to discuss Dr Hollingworth's role in the organisation.

Dr Hollingworth wrote a letter to the college on Friday in which he expressed his desire to stay on as patron and asked to be allowed to discuss the issue with college representatives before they made their decision.

Whether Dr Hollingworth retains his position as the Brisbane Lions' number one ticket-holder is also under a cloud with a decision expected to be announced at the AFL club's annual general meeting tonight.

Dr Hollingworth, an avid AFL fan, has been Brisbane's top ticket-holder for the past decade but the position is reviewed annually and it was anticipated Dr Hollingworth could be replaced even before the recent child abuse cover-up controversy.

But despite the intense pressure to leave his post, Dr Hollingworth told The Daily Telegraph "I am. . .strong in my resolve to continue in the position".

He also told the paper he understood the way in which community organisations were reassessing his suitability as patron.

"I share their abhorrence [of child abuse] and understand the difficult position some organisations find themselves in, following all the recent publicity," Dr Hollingworth said.

"While the leadership and members of organisations may wish to retain my patronage, I understand that they need to be mindful of the sensibilities of their broader constituencies and also to protect their funding base.

"To the many organisations of which I continue to be patron, I assure them of my continuing support. I remain absolutely committed to the many and varied causes that they pursue."

 

Canberra Times