NSW: Refshauge says Brogden hypocritical

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NSW: Refshauge says Brogden hypocritical

SYDNEY, Feb 13 AAP - NSW Opposition Leader John Brogden's criticism over the standingdown of a key government frontbencher was "breathtaking hypocrisy", Deputy Premier AndrewRefshauge said today.

The backlash came after NSW Gaming Minister Richard Face's resignation yesterday whenit emerged he would open a private gaming consultancy upon retirement next month.

Taking the opportunity to relaunch his "cash for questions" assault, Dr Refshauge saidMr Brogden was in no position to judge as he still hadn't come clean on what he did toearn $110,000 as a private consultant.

"When I heard John Brogden and some of his team criticising this, it seemed very clearlyto me that he had two standards," he said.

"John Brogden tries to have it each way."

Dr Refshauge backed Mr Face, saying he had done the right thing to stand down as soonas there was a hint of conflict of interest.

"He has done the right thing from my point of view to clear the air to make sure thatany potential conflict of interest does not arise," he said.

Mr Brogden came under the parliamentary hammer last November when it emerged he hadbeen paid more than $110,000 by the legal arm of PriceWaterhouseCoopers in exchange forpublic affairs advice.

Mr Brogden had been opposition spokesman for planning at the time.

Dr Refshauge said there was no similarity between the two cases as Mr Face had nottaken any money while working as a minister and MP and had stepped down.

"Mr Brogden has been in parliament just under seven years - for more than half of thattime he has had two paid jobs," he said.

"Mr Face did the right thing ... Mr Brogden on the other hand has dug in and refusedto step aside."

AAP swe/jh/pw/de

KEYWORD: FACE REFSHAUGE