Troy Buswell was drunk, locked himself in a room at Parliament House with a Labor staffer and refused to come out and vote, said, Ron Scott a staffer for the Leader of the Opposition, Paul Omodei.
In the letter published on January 1 in the Albany Advertiser, Mr Scott, a long time member of the Liberal Party questioned Mr Buswell's credentials and suitability to lead the Liberal Party. Mr Scott said he found it "disgusting that Buswell could ever be considered as a leader", citing the drunken episode and the events surrounding Liberal Party leadership challenge in early 2006.
Mr Buswell conceded that on the night in question he had attended a trade function in the Speaker's Chambers. Speaker Fred Riebeling has confirmed that he was with Mr Buswell on the night in his chambers. Speaker Riebeling described Mr Buswell's state as "a bit merry". Minister for Health, Jim McGinty, said that he remembered the night in question and described Mr Buswell state as "a bit tipsy".
The Leader of the Opposition has ordered Mr Scott to write an apology to Mr Buswell which, he has apparently accepted. It appears that Mr Scott will keep his job, which he has held for less than a month. Mr Buswell told the West Australian newspaper that he did not "see this as a sackable offence".
It has been reported that in his apology letter Mr Scott conceded that some of the accusation in his letter were false. If this is so then Mr Scott should step down from his position and resign from the Liberal Party. If the accusations are true then it is Mr Buswell who should step down and apologise to the electors of Vasse for his actions.
This is the latest episode in the Liberal Party leadership soap opera. A move by Mr Buswell's supporters is expected before Parliament resumes on February 26.
Buswell's arrogance
Buswell shows reckless disregard for the seriousness of the position he holds as Member for Vasse. He constatntly backflips on various issues, he is now moving to Perth rather than giving his electorate tyhe attention it deserves and obviously considers that being too drunk to do his job in Parliament is OK. He has reached this stage of arrogance because he knows that locally, he will not be quizzed by the local press or questioned by the compliant conservative voters oh Vasse.
I hope we get more locals tapping into the news at the Geo so that at least some critical appraisal of Buswell happens in Vasse.
Buswell Shoots the Messenger
It is not unusual for a negative politician when they make a mistake, to come out swinging and shoot the messenger.
Mr Buswell if you were drunk in Parliament (a point which you have not denied), you cannot represent anyone let alone the electorate.
Mr Scott, the liberal party staffer who made us aware of your behaviour does not need to apologise. You are the person who should apologise and be sacked.
If I went to work drunk, a full explanation and apology would be the least of my problems. For many of being drunk at work is a sackable offence.