Wheatley Apologises for Heated Words to Opposition, but Stands by His Anger

Dr. Natalio Wheatley, the Premier and Minister of Finance, delivered an apology to the House of Assembly on October 20 after using sharp language towards Opposition members during a private gathering five days prior. He stopped short, however, of apologising for the anger itself.

Second District Representative Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull brought the matter to the floor as a point of privilege, disclosing that Wheatley had directed the phrases "frigging bullcrap" and "frigging stupidness" at three Opposition members, including Turnbull, on October 15. The exchange took place in the presence of Speaker Corine George-Massicote and other members.

Turnbull contended that a private apology to the Speaker alone was insufficient. He stressed that elected members deserved respect and dignity when carrying out their parliamentary duties, and that consistent standards should apply regardless of political affiliation. He pointed to an earlier instance in which the Minister for Education had sought a formal written apology after Turnbull told her to "go sit down".

"An apology to the Speaker may acknowledge the authority of your office, but it does not directly address the language used towards the members concerned," Turnbull said.

The Premier rejected the premise that the matter belonged before the House, noting the incident had occurred during an informal meeting rather than a formal sitting. He characterised Turnbull's raising of the issue as a delay tactic designed to obstruct passage of three urgent financial services bills.

Wheatley attributed his reaction to what he described as Opposition attempts to tie legislative progress to their parliamentary questioning rights. He said the topic of unanswered parliamentary questions had surfaced during the private meeting, which he felt justified his displeasure.

"I have never in my life witnessed an Opposition seeking to bargain with financial services legislation for the ability to ask questions," the Premier said.

Speaker George-Massicote intervened multiple times during the debate, warning members not to disclose further details of the closed-door discussion. She clarified that while the disciplinary framework of the Standing Orders did not apply to conduct outside formal sittings, members remained bound by standards of dignity and respect within the parliamentary precinct at all times.

George-Massicote made her own view plain: "While I can't officially sanction the behaviour, Premier, my view is that an apology is needed."

After further questioning about what rule compelled an apology, Wheatley relented and extended his apology to the Speaker and the full membership of the House. Yet he maintained his criticism of the Opposition's alleged conduct, which he deemed unstatesman like.

"I will apologise to you and all the members of the House for the language that I used, but I will not apologise for being upset for what I purported that the members were doing, which in my view was un-statesman like," the Premier stated.