Fed: ALP launches attack on govt crediblity

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2004
Fed: ALP launches attack on govt crediblity

Labor is using a letter from 43 former defence chiefs and diplomats to launch a widespread
attack on the federal government's credibility.

The Opposition accuses the government of facing a credibility crisis over Iraq, university
fees and the need for an independent speaker.

But Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD rejects the claims, saying neither the ALP, nor the
43 signatories to the letter on Iraq, can say the government deliberately misled Australians
about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

And he says those who signed the letter have an old-fashioned view of the world as
it was before September the 11th and the 2002 Bali bombings.

He was supported by National Party MP DE-ANNE KELLY, who says the signatories are out of touch.

The 43 signatories include former chiefs of the Australian Defence Force Admiral ALAN
BEAUMONT and General PETER GRATION, as well as former diplomats and departmental heads
PAUL BARRATT, JOHN MENADUE, ALAN RENOUF and RICHARD WOOLCOTT.

AAP RTV jg/mfh/wz

KEYWORD: STATEMENT (CANBERRA)

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