14 McGrath Street
Mulwala NSW 2647
Telephone: 0448064446
Email: rbooks@fastrac.net.au
The Stench in this Parliament takes us inside the mind of John Hatton, born to poverty but destined to carry out the role of an Independent MLA in the NSW Parliament in a way no one before or since has done. It takes us through his childhood giving insights into why he would later struggle so hard for the underdog – through his career as an educator and the need for social justice and equity – as a local councilor struggling with bureaucratic lunacy until in frustration he convinces his wife Vera to help him run for Parliament. He takes a safe Liberal seat and keeps it until he retires.
His election is followed by twenty two years of courage and determination to create more government accountability, see parliamentary reform and fight corruption wherever he smells it out. He fights it by exposure. This inevitably incurs bipartisan wrath, public insult and criminal death threats. His dream is to make democracy work, and for Government to be transparent and accountable.
In the course of his career the boy with holes in his shoes, no uniform and only one book for French and English, receives awards and honors, is offered the Speakership, portfolios (which he refuses in order to stay independent) membership on committees and study tours. As the book progresses, his dream becomes ours as we read how he made government listen, how we can and how we must make a difference if Australians are to enjoy democracy.
Book Availability in Australia
Every newsagency in New South Wales is able to order this monograph through its distribution network.
Dymocks as well as Angus & Robertson have the book in stock.
• · Dymocks
• · Angus & Robertson.
Media Coverage of the Book Launch and Matters of Concerns Raised by Mr John Hatton, AO
The timing could hardly be better: as allegations of corruption continue to swirl around the NSW Parliament following the murder of Michael McGurk, the veteran former state MP and noted corruption fighter John Hatton has announced the imminent launch of his biography. Its title? The Stench in this Parliament. Penned by Ruth Richmond, the book contains a glowing forward from the Sydney Lord Mayor and state MP for Sydney, Clover Moore, who along with Hatton and Peter McDonald shared the balance of power in Parliament while Nick Greiner was premier. Hatton, who sat in Parliament for 22 years and was hated by politicians from both major parties, is credited with instigating the Wood Royal Commission into corruption in the NSW Police. The book is subtitled ''The story of the Independent nobody who brought down a premier'', referring to Hatton's lead role in forcing Greiner's resignation from Parliament over the Terry Metherell affair. Richmond notes: ''In the minds of many, Greiner's sacking created a deep scar in Hatton's credibility.'' Despite the passage of time, it seems old wounds are yet to fully heal: Metherell, Greiner and his successor as premier, John Fahey, all declined to be interviewed for the book, Richmond writes. It will be launched by one of Parliament's current independents, the Speaker, Richard Torbay, on November 4. Stench revisited rivals the latest - by Sean Nicholls and Emily Dunn
John Hatton must be feeling a sense of déjà vu these days Life story of corruption fighter timely for NSW - The Editorial from the Bay Post
• · John Hatton - Speaking at the launch of his biography (The Australian)
• · ABC - Stateline NSW
• · Royal commission needed into NSW planning and development(The Australian)
• · Planning in NSW is out of control (The SMH & The Age)
• · Hatton Tells All(South Coast Register)
• · ICAC - a shadow of its former self
• · Kill the stench (Tweed [Shire] Echo)
• · ABC Illawarra Regional News
• · THE Shaolin monks of central China are not known for their work as property developers Alarm at the sound of one hand upsizing
• · Greens endorse Hatton call for Royal Commission into donations
