Kristie Johnston apologises to Matt Groom over conflict claims

Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff says she is “deeply disturbed” by Kristie Johnston’s apology over conflict claims, saying ‘this does not read as a statement made freely’. LATEST >>

INDEPENDENT MP Kristie Johnston has apologised for accusing a former Liberal Minister of having a conflict of interest over a land development — saying she made “a serious mistake”.

The member for Clark said that far from having acted improperly, Matthew Groom was in fact an “honest, decent and fair-minded person who has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to act in the community interest”.

Her comments came after she repeated claims from a blog about the Arm End Golf Course development.

The government rejected the claims, saying that at the time the development was approved, Mr Groom delegated his responsibilities to his colleague, the late Vanessa Goodwin to avoid a conflict of interest.

Ms Johnston said the article she relied on had made allegations of improper dealings by Mr Groom and his brother, Hobart lawyer, James Groom.

“The allegations were wrong and baseless. I deeply regret that I failed to make appropriate inquiries of my own to verify the allegations,” Ms Johnston told state parliament.

“I acknowledge that if I had without much effort I would have found them to be without foundation.”

Independent MP Kristie Johnston.

Ms Johnston repeated the allegations in a subsequent media interview, where the protection of parliamentary privilege against defamation action does not apply.

“I did so, despite having been advised by Matthew Groom that prior to the interview the basic claims I was relying on in making allegations were completely false,” she said in her apology.

“I deeply regret ignoring that advice and now accept that by proceeding with the interview as I did, I defamed both Matthew Groom and James Groom, and seriously so.

“I also acknowledge that by conducting the interview I facilitated the republishing of baseless accusations by media outlets. Something that I also deeply regret.”

Ms Johnston apologised to James Groom, saying he was a man with a reputation for

integrity, and to the entire Groom family.

“I want to acknowledge that I made a serious mistake on 11 November 2021.

“My actions fell well short of my own personal standards and of those to be expected of members of this place.

“Each of Matthew Groom and James Groom have been fair and gracious in responding to the completely unfounded allegations I subjected them to.

“I thank them for that and I undertake to them and others in this place to take heed and learn from this experience.”

Rosalie Woodruff. Picture Eddie Safarik

During the adjournment debate in parliament on Wednesday, Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff said she was “deeply disturbed” by Ms Johnston’s statement, claiming it was clear the Grooms had been in contact with her about the issue.

“It’s chilling to contemplate that an elected member of this house may have been threatened or intimidated,’’ Dr Woodruff said in parliament.

“This does not read as a statement made freely.”

In response, Liberal MP Nic Street accused Dr Woodruff of a “wilful abuse” of parliamentary privilege.

“You are an absolute disgrace to this place,’’ Mr Street said.

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