Under fire ministers say sorry for abuse question groans

Two Liberal ministers have said “sorry” in parliament after a barrage of criticism for their groans at questions from a sexual abuse survivor. WHAT HAPPENED >>

TWO Liberal ministers have said “sorry” in parliament after further criticism for their groans at questions from a sexual abuse survivor.

And Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff has added his own apology.

In state parliament on Thursday, Labor sought to move a censure motion against Ministers Michael Ferguson and Elise Archer.

The Liberal MPs were under fire for groaning during a question asked on behalf of child sex abuse survivor Tiffany Skeggs — and failing to apologise afterwards.

During later debate, Ms Archer told the House of Assembly that the Premier had apologised on behalf of the Government.

Minister Elise Archer with Minister Michael Ferguson. Parliament question time. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Of course I am sorry for the impact this has had on Ms Skeggs and other victim survivors,” she said.

“And that’s why I support the apology made by the Premier on behalf of all of us.”

Mr Ferguson also used the word sorry.

“I am sorry for the impact of government members and my reaction on the day,” he said.

“I am sorry for the impact that has had on Ms Skeggs.”

Premier Peter Gutwein apologised on behalf of the government after the incident a fortnight ago.

With Mr Gutwein absent due to being a close contact of a Covid case, Mr Rockliff added his personal apology.

“Firstly, can I express my support for Ms Skeggs and acknowledge her harrowing experience and also the courage for standing up for victims and survivors,” he said.

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Ms Skeggs, through her courage has and is making an enormous difference to the lives not only of victim-survivors now of course, but also ensuring that we can improve processes across government and ensure the support to their for victim-survivors occur into the future.

“As Deputy Premier in this House, I also apologise, say sorry, to Ms Skeggs.”

Opposition leader Rebecca White read out a letter from another victim survivor who described the reactions of Ms Archer and Mr Ferguson to date as “utter disrespect and disregard”.

A motion to allow debate on a censure motion was defeated 10-9.

Five similar motions have over the last two sitting days have been voted down by the government.

All government members wore black masks in the chamber, except Mr Ferguson and Ms Archer, who work light-coloured masks.

Labor, the Greens and independent Kristy Johnston supported Thursday’s motion.

Gutwein ‘shattered’ by abuse debate – March 23

PREMIER Peter Gutwein says accusations he lacked empathy towards the victims of child sexual abuse has left him “personally shattered”.

Labor and the Greens have continued to pursue an apology from Liberal ministers Elise Archer and Michael Ferguson for groaning at a question asked on behalf of sexual abuse victim Tiffany Skeggs in parliament two weeks ago.

The government has now voted down five attempts to force an apology over the last two parliamentary sitting days.

Opposition leader Rebecca White was ejected from the House of Assembly by speaker Mark Shelton during another Question Time dominated by the issue.

Mr Gutwein accused the opposition of having targeted the two ministers for political gain.

“When Ms White asked me that question on behalf of Ms Skeggs, saying that I lacked empathy or warmth, that cut me to the quick,” he said.

“The concern that I’ve got here, and I can understand as somebody that has had their own experience of these matters, how angry you feel, how you want to lash out, how much you want to square the ledger if you can.

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“And I know as we work our way through this, my government will bear the brunt of claims from victims over the next 12 months as we sort out this Commission of Inquiry, but I am prepared to go through that because I believe that we need to get to the bottom of this.

“The step yesterday in calling for ministers to resign, I don’t agree with that at all. I don’t agree with that at all. That has stepped into the political arena.”

Earlier, Ms White sought leave to move a motion to force an apology from Ms Archer and Mr Ferguson, which was voted down by the government.

“The members who groaned should apologise,’ she said.

“There should be no further debate on this matter. It should be a simple step for Minister Archer and Minister Ferguson to today apologise to Tiffany Skeggs and to other victim-survivors who have been hurt and who feel continually betrayed by the failure of them to acknowledge that hurt and to simply say ‘sorry’.”

Mr Gutwein said the government had already apologised and “the buck stops with me”.

“When this matter was first raised in the parliament and I apologised without explanation or excuse, I was personally shattered that people would think or my government was not 100 per cent, 110 per cent committed to getting to the bottom of this issue of institutional abuse,” he said.

Greens leader Cassy O'Connor. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor accused the two ministers of being ‘rude, arrogant and disrespectful”.

On Tuesday, Mr Gutwein revealed he had sought help after revealing his own experience of sexual abuse when he was a young man.

“I encourage any victim/survivors who need those supports to reach out and utilise them,” he said.

“I know myself, a couple of weeks ago, that I felt I needed to speak with someone regarding my own circumstances and I sought some assistance.

“I encourage anyone who has either been a victim-survivor or is affected by the discussion this morning, or the broader issue of when people come forward and are brave enough to raise these issues, to ensure that they do reach out to seek support because those supports are available.”

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