Business cheers Slipper resignation

Leading franchise operators have welcomed Peter Slipper’s resignation as the Speaker, saying the saga needed to come to an end.

Poolwerx founder and CEO John O’Brien said at a national dinner for franchise businesses in Canberra last night, Slipper had no choice but to leave. “The man no longer held up the ethics of the role to which he’d been elected to as speaker of the House.”

Hairhouse Warehouse chief executive Tony Lattouf also agreed Slipper’s time in parliament was over. “He no longer had control over all the politicians to be respectful of his role. When you lead people need to be able to follow you.”

Slipper’s resignation came in the middle of his court case against former staffer James Ashby and allegations of sexual harassment. The court had released details of text messages of a crude nature between the two that made Slipper’s position untenable.

As far as business is concerned, Slipper has brought his troubles on himself. DC strategy chairman Rod Young said, “Peter was a victim of his own behaviour” and it was time the issue ended. He says he hopes the government will now get on with its job and govern.

Coco Cubano franchise CEO Tony Melhem says Slipper had lost the faith of the Australian public. “it’s not right to bring such issues into parliament. The government needs to do its job. Not be involved in scandals. It needs to focus on supporting business and getting the economy going.”

Slipper will now return to parliament as an independent and the government will have to battle for his vote to get a majority of 75 to pass legislation.

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