| JUNE 2008 Pages - Page 11 |
| THIS IS PAGE 11 OF JUNE 2008 PAGES - JUNE0811 |
CONCERNS OVER BELINDA NEAL's STORY
Whilst we, possibly like everyone else, wished this story would go away, Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal)
has kept it going with her latest denial. We have great difficulty with all of her denials. In fact, in respect of some
of them, we do not believe her.
1. Consumed two glasses of white wine and a "sip" of red.
She drove her car to the club. There are reports she arrived at the club at 5.15pm. She left the club at approximately 9.30pm. However,
assuming she consumed the 2 glasses of wine over a 1 hour period, her blood alcohol content (BAC) would be expected to be in the vicinity of
0.04 (less than the legal limit of 0.05). If she had consumed the drinks over 2 hours, her BAC would be in the vicinity of 0.02 - well below the legal
limit.
Why in those circumstances did she allow her husband, who had made a solemn declaration in parliament not to drive, to drive her away from the
club ?
2. It was an extraordinarily quiet evening and she made a justifiable complaint about the service in polite terms. Further she did not threaten
anyone's job or the licence.
We have said before that "abuse" is part of the territory when working in the hospitality industry. If this was an "unremarkable evening", why did
the club's worker's go to the extra-ordinary length's they did to bring it to the media's attention.
The Neal camp argues that the club workers were so affronted by the polite criticism of them, or alternatively were so politically motivated by
Liberal Party sympathies, they then set about a deliberate campaign of distortion and lies to "crucify" Ms Neal and her husband. Quite frankly, it
is difficult to accept such an argument. What was to be gained by the club workers by engaging in deceit and lies ? Ultimately the only
beneficiaries of the crucifixion would be the Liberal Party. It is difficult to accept that the club workers would subject themselves to the intense
public scrutiny that they must have known would eventuate - simply to revenge a slight perceived by some "polite and justified criticism" or to
deliver a benefit the Liberal Party.
A much more plausible explanation is that something was said that caused the workers to believe the licence might be at risk from political
interference, and by going to the media, some form of protection against the loss of licence, caused by political interference, might be gained.
Further, the workers, knowing who the patrons were, would most likely be careful with allegations.
3. Neal's party statements.
The Neal camp is relying on statements made by people in her party to support her claims. However, those statements suffer from a major
deficiency. None of the people were with Ms Neal 100% of the time. Therefore, none is able to say that she did not swear or threaten to have the
licence taken away. None were with her when she followed a worker into a store-room or private area. The most such people can say is that she
did not swear or make a threat in their presence. One even says he was outside having a cigarette when "things happened". One of the party
goes even further - she says in the entire time she has known Ms Neal she has "never heard her swear."
IT is for those reasons we do not believe Ms Neal in respect of key aspects.
No doubt everyone will make their own assessment, based on the release of the new statements and Ms Neal's unsworn statement, and there will
be differing views.
To the extent that by making her statement, and releasing the statements of those in her party, Ms Neal has left the door open, for people to hold
differing views, she has probably achieved the best possible outcome available to her.
SOURCE :
Andrew Clennell, Alexandra Smith & Mark Davis , This Labor MP doesn't swear: her friends swear to that , Sydney Morning Herald, 11 June
2008.
Michelle Grattan , Dressing down for Labor bar row MP , The Age, 11 June 2008.
Morris Iemma forced not to sack John Della Bosca , Daily Telegraph, 11 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
Whilst we, possibly like everyone else, wished this story would go away, Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal)
has kept it going with her latest denial. We have great difficulty with all of her denials. In fact, in respect of some
of them, we do not believe her.
1. Consumed two glasses of white wine and a "sip" of red.
She drove her car to the club. There are reports she arrived at the club at 5.15pm. She left the club at approximately 9.30pm. However,
assuming she consumed the 2 glasses of wine over a 1 hour period, her blood alcohol content (BAC) would be expected to be in the vicinity of
0.04 (less than the legal limit of 0.05). If she had consumed the drinks over 2 hours, her BAC would be in the vicinity of 0.02 - well below the legal
limit.
Why in those circumstances did she allow her husband, who had made a solemn declaration in parliament not to drive, to drive her away from the
club ?
2. It was an extraordinarily quiet evening and she made a justifiable complaint about the service in polite terms. Further she did not threaten
anyone's job or the licence.
We have said before that "abuse" is part of the territory when working in the hospitality industry. If this was an "unremarkable evening", why did
the club's worker's go to the extra-ordinary length's they did to bring it to the media's attention.
The Neal camp argues that the club workers were so affronted by the polite criticism of them, or alternatively were so politically motivated by
Liberal Party sympathies, they then set about a deliberate campaign of distortion and lies to "crucify" Ms Neal and her husband. Quite frankly, it
is difficult to accept such an argument. What was to be gained by the club workers by engaging in deceit and lies ? Ultimately the only
beneficiaries of the crucifixion would be the Liberal Party. It is difficult to accept that the club workers would subject themselves to the intense
public scrutiny that they must have known would eventuate - simply to revenge a slight perceived by some "polite and justified criticism" or to
deliver a benefit the Liberal Party.
A much more plausible explanation is that something was said that caused the workers to believe the licence might be at risk from political
interference, and by going to the media, some form of protection against the loss of licence, caused by political interference, might be gained.
Further, the workers, knowing who the patrons were, would most likely be careful with allegations.
3. Neal's party statements.
The Neal camp is relying on statements made by people in her party to support her claims. However, those statements suffer from a major
deficiency. None of the people were with Ms Neal 100% of the time. Therefore, none is able to say that she did not swear or threaten to have the
licence taken away. None were with her when she followed a worker into a store-room or private area. The most such people can say is that she
did not swear or make a threat in their presence. One even says he was outside having a cigarette when "things happened". One of the party
goes even further - she says in the entire time she has known Ms Neal she has "never heard her swear."
IT is for those reasons we do not believe Ms Neal in respect of key aspects.
No doubt everyone will make their own assessment, based on the release of the new statements and Ms Neal's unsworn statement, and there will
be differing views.
To the extent that by making her statement, and releasing the statements of those in her party, Ms Neal has left the door open, for people to hold
differing views, she has probably achieved the best possible outcome available to her.
SOURCE :
Andrew Clennell, Alexandra Smith & Mark Davis , This Labor MP doesn't swear: her friends swear to that , Sydney Morning Herald, 11 June
2008.
Michelle Grattan , Dressing down for Labor bar row MP , The Age, 11 June 2008.
Morris Iemma forced not to sack John Della Bosca , Daily Telegraph, 11 June 2008.
==================================================================================================================
FRANK HAS A FRIEND IN FRED - BUT NOT FARRELLY
For a look at Frank Sartor's latest planning legislation, which is presently before the Upper House,
read Elizabeth Farrelly's column in the Sydney Morning Herald of 11 June 2008 :
It's D-day for democracy, developers and design
She suggests that the bill will possibly pass through the Upper House, courtesy of some "pork" - a ministerial approval
of a Southern Highlands shooting range expansion - thrown the way of the Shooters. She expects Fred Nile MLC
to support NSW Labor,as he does in all matters - except for sex.
=================================================================================================================
For a look at Frank Sartor's latest planning legislation, which is presently before the Upper House,
read Elizabeth Farrelly's column in the Sydney Morning Herald of 11 June 2008 :
It's D-day for democracy, developers and design
She suggests that the bill will possibly pass through the Upper House, courtesy of some "pork" - a ministerial approval
of a Southern Highlands shooting range expansion - thrown the way of the Shooters. She expects Fred Nile MLC
to support NSW Labor,as he does in all matters - except for sex.
=================================================================================================================
STAT. DEC PROSECUTIONS - HIGHLY UNLIKELY
Suggestions that prosecutions may be taken against people, in particular the club manager Steven Twitchin, for
making false statutory declarations, are we believe fanciful.
In relation to Mr Twitchin , it has been suggested his statutory declaration is at odds with his later written apology, where he said :
No one in your party was abusive, swearing or intoxicated.
For a successful prosecution it will need to be proved beyond reasonable doubt what was contained in his statutory declaration was false. The
written apology does not prove his statutory declaration was false. It merely shows (for reasons Mr Twitchin would explain) he later issued an
unsworn contradictory statement.
For that reason we don't think prosecutions will be launched. Certainly, it could be expected that the government would be reluctant to push for a
prosecution. The apology was what the government needed for purposes of "spin". Having got the apology, the government is unlikely to wish to
push Mr Twitchin, into a corner so that he recants the apology . Further, the government would not wish to see a case put before the courts
where the events of that fateful Friday night were raked over in minute detail. A "not guilty" verdict, would appear in the public mind as proof that
the contents of the statutory declaration were true (although it would not prove that at all, just that the contents were not false). Given that the
Iemma government is already perceived by the community as being probably corrupt, the risk of a "not guilty' verdict is a political risk the
government would not be prepared to take.
AS to Premier Iemma's suggestion that the worker's take their allegations of threats to the club's licence to the ICAC - that is simply laughable. All
the worker's wanted was to prevent political interference in the club's licence. One suspects that objective has been accomplished, and the
workers will not want the hassle of an ICAC inquiry. The best outcome the workers could expect from ICAC is a ruling against Mr Della Bosca or
Ms Neal. One suspects the workers are not motivated by revenge and are not interested in retribution. They merely want to get on with their lives
and go about their business -free of political interference.
SOURCE :
Andrew Clennell, Dylan Welch & Alexandra Smith , Premier backs Della Bosca , Sydney Morning Herald, 11 June 2008.
Andrew Clennell , ALP power struggle the key to survival , Sydney Morning Herald, 10 June 2088.
=================================================================================================================
Suggestions that prosecutions may be taken against people, in particular the club manager Steven Twitchin, for
making false statutory declarations, are we believe fanciful.
In relation to Mr Twitchin , it has been suggested his statutory declaration is at odds with his later written apology, where he said :
No one in your party was abusive, swearing or intoxicated.
For a successful prosecution it will need to be proved beyond reasonable doubt what was contained in his statutory declaration was false. The
written apology does not prove his statutory declaration was false. It merely shows (for reasons Mr Twitchin would explain) he later issued an
unsworn contradictory statement.
For that reason we don't think prosecutions will be launched. Certainly, it could be expected that the government would be reluctant to push for a
prosecution. The apology was what the government needed for purposes of "spin". Having got the apology, the government is unlikely to wish to
push Mr Twitchin, into a corner so that he recants the apology . Further, the government would not wish to see a case put before the courts
where the events of that fateful Friday night were raked over in minute detail. A "not guilty" verdict, would appear in the public mind as proof that
the contents of the statutory declaration were true (although it would not prove that at all, just that the contents were not false). Given that the
Iemma government is already perceived by the community as being probably corrupt, the risk of a "not guilty' verdict is a political risk the
government would not be prepared to take.
AS to Premier Iemma's suggestion that the worker's take their allegations of threats to the club's licence to the ICAC - that is simply laughable. All
the worker's wanted was to prevent political interference in the club's licence. One suspects that objective has been accomplished, and the
workers will not want the hassle of an ICAC inquiry. The best outcome the workers could expect from ICAC is a ruling against Mr Della Bosca or
Ms Neal. One suspects the workers are not motivated by revenge and are not interested in retribution. They merely want to get on with their lives
and go about their business -free of political interference.
SOURCE :
Andrew Clennell, Dylan Welch & Alexandra Smith , Premier backs Della Bosca , Sydney Morning Herald, 11 June 2008.
Andrew Clennell , ALP power struggle the key to survival , Sydney Morning Herald, 10 June 2088.
=================================================================================================================
HEAD KICKING - ALL IN A DAYS WORK FOR BELINDA NEAL
Federal MP Sophie Mirabella (who is pregnant) alleged Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal) said.to her :
"Your baby will be turned into a demon by evil thoughts."
Ms Neal denied saying those words but issued an apology anyway :
"I have had time to reflect . . . and, though the comments were not completely accurate, I do unreservedly withdraw any remarks that
may have caused offence to the member "
On 25 May 2008 Belinda Neal was sent from the field during a soccer game for repeatedly kicking a rival player.
She was suspended from match play for 2 matches by the judiciary of Central Coast Football.
The victim, 20 year old Amy Parslow , told the Daily Telegraph :
"She had the ball and I came in for a slide tackle. We've then collided and I've fallen on the ground and
she's turned around and started kicking into me while I was on the ground,"
"I was on the floor and I just curled up because she started kicking into me.
"I still have bruising on my right leg. I couldn't walk on my right ankle for a couple of days."
Ms Parslow said prior to the attack Ms Neal had been "very pushy" during the game.
"I don't mind being pushed, but she got over the top with it all and started swearing at me on the sly," she said.
IT would appear Ms Neal has embarked on a deliberate campaign to raise her profile in the Robertson electorate. In the space of a mere 21
days, she has gone from a practical unknown - to someone everyone now recognises.
SOURCES :
ABC News, Liberal MP demands apology over 'demon baby' comment , ABC Radio, 30 May 2008
House of Representatives Hansard, Main Committee Proceedings, Australian Parliament,29 May 2008, at 9.01am.
Brooke Newstead and Joe Hildebrand , Neal's soccer shocker adds to Iguana debacle with Della , Daily Telegraph, 11 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
Federal MP Sophie Mirabella (who is pregnant) alleged Belinda Neal MP (Robertson - NSW federal) said.to her :
"Your baby will be turned into a demon by evil thoughts."
Ms Neal denied saying those words but issued an apology anyway :
"I have had time to reflect . . . and, though the comments were not completely accurate, I do unreservedly withdraw any remarks that
may have caused offence to the member "
On 25 May 2008 Belinda Neal was sent from the field during a soccer game for repeatedly kicking a rival player.
She was suspended from match play for 2 matches by the judiciary of Central Coast Football.
The victim, 20 year old Amy Parslow , told the Daily Telegraph :
"She had the ball and I came in for a slide tackle. We've then collided and I've fallen on the ground and
she's turned around and started kicking into me while I was on the ground,"
"I was on the floor and I just curled up because she started kicking into me.
"I still have bruising on my right leg. I couldn't walk on my right ankle for a couple of days."
Ms Parslow said prior to the attack Ms Neal had been "very pushy" during the game.
"I don't mind being pushed, but she got over the top with it all and started swearing at me on the sly," she said.
IT would appear Ms Neal has embarked on a deliberate campaign to raise her profile in the Robertson electorate. In the space of a mere 21
days, she has gone from a practical unknown - to someone everyone now recognises.
SOURCES :
ABC News, Liberal MP demands apology over 'demon baby' comment , ABC Radio, 30 May 2008
House of Representatives Hansard, Main Committee Proceedings, Australian Parliament,29 May 2008, at 9.01am.
Brooke Newstead and Joe Hildebrand , Neal's soccer shocker adds to Iguana debacle with Della , Daily Telegraph, 11 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
DON'T HOLD BACK - TELL US WHAT YOU REALLY THINK
The editorial of the Daily Telegraph on 11 June 2008 gave some indication of how the editorial team are thinking :
JOHN Della Bosca and Belinda Neal find themselves in an unusual political situation where the public wants to be rid of them; not on
the grounds of corruption, impropriety or criminality - but on the grounds of taste.
What an unpalatable pair they have shown themselves to be over the past 72 hours, writhing about with their alibis, rationalising the
events of Friday night. And all of it to one end - to hold on to the positions of power which this comically-titled "power couple" has
come to enjoy.
It is time for Kevin Rudd and Morris Iemma to step in and strip them of their power.
It is time for the ALP to tell the pair this will be their last term, and to find polite, civilised, well-adjusted people to fill Mr Della Bosca's
Legislative Council vacancy and Ms Neal's Central Coast seat at the next state and federal polls.
As Brendan Nelson said yesterday, the reason goes to bullying. Politicians by definition wield power and are honour-bound not to
abuse it.
It matters not that the Della Boscas abuse of that power is the stuff of low-rent suburban parody, involving table placings at a Central
Coast brasserie. If anything, it's the lowness of their conduct and Ms Neal's histrionics at such a mundane request, that casts them as
such a farcical power-hungry duo.
Today, in a tangential twist on the restaurant story, with its threats of reprisals, the revoking of liquor licences and dark inquiries of
'don't you know who I am?' to kids earning minimum wage, we see another, equally unpleasant side of Ms Neal - the soccer yob, the
Zinedene Zidane of Woy Woy, rubbed out for two weeks after sinking the boot into a woman half her age.
Journalism may be the poorer for their absence but public life will be more civilised and sedate.
Mr Della Bosca has done his dash by covering up his and his wife's bullying, and neither deserve to play an ongoing role in our
parliaments.
Editorial, Pull the plug on power couple , Daily Telegraph, 11 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
The editorial of the Daily Telegraph on 11 June 2008 gave some indication of how the editorial team are thinking :
JOHN Della Bosca and Belinda Neal find themselves in an unusual political situation where the public wants to be rid of them; not on
the grounds of corruption, impropriety or criminality - but on the grounds of taste.
What an unpalatable pair they have shown themselves to be over the past 72 hours, writhing about with their alibis, rationalising the
events of Friday night. And all of it to one end - to hold on to the positions of power which this comically-titled "power couple" has
come to enjoy.
It is time for Kevin Rudd and Morris Iemma to step in and strip them of their power.
It is time for the ALP to tell the pair this will be their last term, and to find polite, civilised, well-adjusted people to fill Mr Della Bosca's
Legislative Council vacancy and Ms Neal's Central Coast seat at the next state and federal polls.
As Brendan Nelson said yesterday, the reason goes to bullying. Politicians by definition wield power and are honour-bound not to
abuse it.
It matters not that the Della Boscas abuse of that power is the stuff of low-rent suburban parody, involving table placings at a Central
Coast brasserie. If anything, it's the lowness of their conduct and Ms Neal's histrionics at such a mundane request, that casts them as
such a farcical power-hungry duo.
Today, in a tangential twist on the restaurant story, with its threats of reprisals, the revoking of liquor licences and dark inquiries of
'don't you know who I am?' to kids earning minimum wage, we see another, equally unpleasant side of Ms Neal - the soccer yob, the
Zinedene Zidane of Woy Woy, rubbed out for two weeks after sinking the boot into a woman half her age.
Journalism may be the poorer for their absence but public life will be more civilised and sedate.
Mr Della Bosca has done his dash by covering up his and his wife's bullying, and neither deserve to play an ongoing role in our
parliaments.
Editorial, Pull the plug on power couple , Daily Telegraph, 11 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
PM RUDD ORDERS BELINDA NEAL TO ATTEND ANGER MANAGEMENT COUNSELLING
What a nasty bit of gear Belinda Neal MP (Roertson - NSW federal) is.
PM Rudd said :
"There appears to be a pattern of unacceptable behaviour here. She's indicated as a result
of our conversation that she'll actually be seeking counselling to assist in her own
management of her relationships with other people. "
People who attend anger management counselling are usually younger than 30 years of age. The reason why the "young" make up the vast
majority of those attending anger management courses, is that by the age of 30 their personality defect has manifested itself, that it becomes
obvious to those around them that something must be done to change their behaviour, if they are to be useful members of society.
Ms Neal is in her 40's and describes herself as "middle age". It is surprising she has not come to the attention of her associates previously. IT is
possible, having spent her adult life in the millieu of NSW Labor, her personality defect has not come to the notice of her associates, because
they consider it as just 'normal' behaviour.
The question is , being in her 40 's, is she amenable to rehabilitation , or is her personality type too firmly entrenched, to be modifiable
SOURCES :
ABC News, 'Abusive' federal MP seeks counselling , ABC Radio , 11 June 2008.
ABC News, Neal admits she needs counselling , ABC Radio, 11 June 2008.
Jane Richards , Rage against the serene … but why? , Sydney Morning Herald, 11 June 2008.
Malcolm Farr, Kevin Rudd sends raging Belinda Neal to counselling , Daily Telegraph, 12 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
What a nasty bit of gear Belinda Neal MP (Roertson - NSW federal) is.
PM Rudd said :
"There appears to be a pattern of unacceptable behaviour here. She's indicated as a result
of our conversation that she'll actually be seeking counselling to assist in her own
management of her relationships with other people. "
People who attend anger management counselling are usually younger than 30 years of age. The reason why the "young" make up the vast
majority of those attending anger management courses, is that by the age of 30 their personality defect has manifested itself, that it becomes
obvious to those around them that something must be done to change their behaviour, if they are to be useful members of society.
Ms Neal is in her 40's and describes herself as "middle age". It is surprising she has not come to the attention of her associates previously. IT is
possible, having spent her adult life in the millieu of NSW Labor, her personality defect has not come to the notice of her associates, because
they consider it as just 'normal' behaviour.
The question is , being in her 40 's, is she amenable to rehabilitation , or is her personality type too firmly entrenched, to be modifiable
SOURCES :
ABC News, 'Abusive' federal MP seeks counselling , ABC Radio , 11 June 2008.
ABC News, Neal admits she needs counselling , ABC Radio, 11 June 2008.
Jane Richards , Rage against the serene … but why? , Sydney Morning Herald, 11 June 2008.
Malcolm Farr, Kevin Rudd sends raging Belinda Neal to counselling , Daily Telegraph, 12 June 2008.
=================================================================================================================
| NSW LABOR'S DAILY HYMN WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN FREDDY WHAT a friend we have in Freddy, all our bills and laws to pass What a privilege to take everything, to Fred in Upper House Oh what battles we might loose, oh what needless pain we bear, All because we do not take our Bills to Fred in Upper House. Have we problems with numbers? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged , take it to Fred in Upper House, . Can we find a friend so faithful , who will sit and apologize for us in inquiries , Freddy knows our political weakness; take it to Fred in Upper House. Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a base load station? Precious 43 thousand is our price, give it to Fred in Upper House . Do the Left and Unions despise, forsake us ? Take it to Fred in Upper House ! In the assistant’s chair he’ll support us, we will find an aye vote there. Blessed Freddy, We are depending for the honour bestowed upon you That we may forever, bring our bills and laws to you in Upper House. Soon in retirement on higher pension, there will be no visits to Upper House, Rapture, praise and extra cash, will be your sweet reward from us. With apologies to Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886 . ================================================================================================================= |
WHAT A NASTY NASTY BIT OF GEAR
According to the Sydney Morning Herald :
Ms Neal is a woman who, senior Labor sources say, keeps photographs and written names of her political enemies in her freezer. And
neighbours told the Herald yesterday of police visits to Ms Neal's home at Woy Woy Bay, where she lives with her husband, the NSW
Education Minister, John Della Bosca. They had often heard her swearing and screaming coming from the house.
Is Belinda Neal the Witch of Woy Woy ?
"Swearing and things being thrown, I've heard it," one male neighbour said. "I've heard them arguing, fighting and throwing things.
She's a mouth on her."
Another Labor source said she was so vindictive that she boasted of putting enemies' written names or their photos in her freeezer.
This practice has been recorded as a modern adaptation of a hoodoo spell to shut up the named person, or freeze their words.
One Labor source said anybody who knew her would know "how far-fetched and ridiculous" was the suggestion that she did not swear
at Iguanas.
A former councillor who served with Ms Neal on Gosford City Council for four years in the 1990s said she was very difficult to work
with, regularly raised her voice during debates and was known to swear in the chamber.
"She was very, very aggressive in debate and she was known for being very forthright and difficult, especially with her Labor Party
colleagues who were on council with her, they found her the hardest to work with," the councillor said. "There's wasn't a lot of raised
eyebrows when we heard what happened on Friday night, it came as no surprise."
When it was put to the Judge who sentenced Milton Orkopoulos, that he was previously a person of good character, the Judge indicated that
whilst he accepted the prisoner was generally known to be of good character, he had a secret, darker an unknown side of his character - and
therefore good character was not a factor he would give great weight to in sentencing.
To those who have never come into contact with Ms Neal - in the Australian way,she would be given respect because she is a federal MP. BUT it
seems that people who have had something to do with her, have seen a completely different side to her. A side, which she in her media
interviews has downplayed, or even denied, hoping to gain the sympathy of Australians based on the principle of a "fair-go". Yes Australians do
value highly a "fair-go".On the other hand, they do not appreciate being taken for suckers. They expect people to be upfront.
Belinda Neal MP ( Robertson -NSW federal) is a nasty, nasty, nasty bit of gear.
SOURCE :
Andrew Clennell, Dylan Welch, Alexandra Smith & Phillip Coorey , PM orders anger management for Neal , Sydney Morning Herald, 12 June
2008.
Jane Richards , Rage against the serene … but why? , Sydney Morning Herald, 11 June 2008.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald :
Ms Neal is a woman who, senior Labor sources say, keeps photographs and written names of her political enemies in her freezer. And
neighbours told the Herald yesterday of police visits to Ms Neal's home at Woy Woy Bay, where she lives with her husband, the NSW
Education Minister, John Della Bosca. They had often heard her swearing and screaming coming from the house.
Is Belinda Neal the Witch of Woy Woy ?
"Swearing and things being thrown, I've heard it," one male neighbour said. "I've heard them arguing, fighting and throwing things.
She's a mouth on her."
Another Labor source said she was so vindictive that she boasted of putting enemies' written names or their photos in her freeezer.
This practice has been recorded as a modern adaptation of a hoodoo spell to shut up the named person, or freeze their words.
One Labor source said anybody who knew her would know "how far-fetched and ridiculous" was the suggestion that she did not swear
at Iguanas.
A former councillor who served with Ms Neal on Gosford City Council for four years in the 1990s said she was very difficult to work
with, regularly raised her voice during debates and was known to swear in the chamber.
"She was very, very aggressive in debate and she was known for being very forthright and difficult, especially with her Labor Party
colleagues who were on council with her, they found her the hardest to work with," the councillor said. "There's wasn't a lot of raised
eyebrows when we heard what happened on Friday night, it came as no surprise."
When it was put to the Judge who sentenced Milton Orkopoulos, that he was previously a person of good character, the Judge indicated that
whilst he accepted the prisoner was generally known to be of good character, he had a secret, darker an unknown side of his character - and
therefore good character was not a factor he would give great weight to in sentencing.
To those who have never come into contact with Ms Neal - in the Australian way,she would be given respect because she is a federal MP. BUT it
seems that people who have had something to do with her, have seen a completely different side to her. A side, which she in her media
interviews has downplayed, or even denied, hoping to gain the sympathy of Australians based on the principle of a "fair-go". Yes Australians do
value highly a "fair-go".On the other hand, they do not appreciate being taken for suckers. They expect people to be upfront.
Belinda Neal MP ( Robertson -NSW federal) is a nasty, nasty, nasty bit of gear.
SOURCE :
Andrew Clennell, Dylan Welch, Alexandra Smith & Phillip Coorey , PM orders anger management for Neal , Sydney Morning Herald, 12 June
2008.
Jane Richards , Rage against the serene … but why? , Sydney Morning Herald, 11 June 2008.