Fed: Jones aware of Labor Democrats deals

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2000
Fed: Jones aware of Labor Democrats deals

Former federal ALP president BARRY JONES says he was aware of one or two deals between
Labor candidates and the Democrats during his presidency but has denied the deals were
corrupt.

Mr JONES has paid glowing tribute to Mr BEAZLEY and Queensland Premier PETER BEATTIE
for their handling of the rorts affair.

He concedes that during his presidency of the party between 1992 and 2000, he was aware
of examples where Labor members offered to pay for Democrat how-to-vote cards.

But he says he doesn't regard that as a corrupt thing.

Mr JONES, who's chairing an ALP knowledge nation meeting attended by Mr BEAZLEY in
Sydney today, says rorting is an historic issue and he doesn't believe it will harm the
party in the long run.

He's described Mr BEATTIE'S response to the rorts affair as exemplary.

AAP RTV sal/jjs/nf/jn

KEYWORD: STACKING JONES (SYDNEY)

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