Morris Iemma
NSW State
Member of the Legislative Assembly
Labor Party
Electorate: Lakemba
Commented on the Bill Henson exhibition prior to the police raid.
May 2008
"As a father of four I find it offensive and disgusting,"
"I don't understand why parents would agree to allow their kids to be
photographed like this. The cornerstone of any civilised society is the
protection of its kids and there can be no justification for some of these
images. I'm all for free speech, but never at the expense of a child's safety
and innocence."
Writing for crikey.com, Alex Mitchell explained the reasoning behind Iemma's comments.
Quoted from:
Bringing down Henson: Police, politicians and pester power join forces.
crikey.com 30.05.08
Just 24 hours earlier, former Cabinet minister Milton Orkopoulos had been sentenced to 13 years’ jail for depraved s-x and drug offences involving minors. There were mounting questions about a political cover-up and the savage treatment of the whistleblower Gillian Sneddon.
Iemma, traveling in China, was informed of the Henson “angle”. Staff asked the premier to sign off on a Sydney-prepared rapid response note (RRN) describing the photographs as “offensive and disgusting”. Iemma authorised its immediate release.
This week Rudd and Iemma were both given the opportunity to reflect on their knee-jerk responses. "I stand by that reaction and I don't apologise for it," said Rudd while Iemma said: "Yes I do (stand by my original statement). It's offensive and disgusting." Both resolutely staying on message. The minders win.
June 2008
Following the decision of the police not to lay charges.
"The police deserve our thanks for their
investigate work. My personal opinion remains clear - these photographs crossed
the line and were inappropriate. I can't understand how a parent could allow a
child to be photographed in this way."
