OPPOSITION Leader Bryan Green is calling on Parliamentary Secretary Adam Brooks to be stood down until he fully explains his behaviour during a recent trade mission to China. Mr Brooks last week publicly apologised to the Premier for missing a bus carrying his delegation to an official dinner with the Chinese President. Mr Brooks told reporters this weekend: ''I was disappointed to have let down the Premier and I apologised to him and the ambassador for any inconvenience I caused.'' A government spokesman said due to a tight turnaround time Mr Brooks missed the bus by a few minutes. The spokesman said he was driven separately to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, but missed a ceremonial welcome to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Mr Green insists there must be more to the story, and is calling on Mr Brooks to clear the air. ''Why did Mr Brooks feel it was necessary to provide an apology to the Premier if his reason for missing the start of the President’s function was legitimate?'' Mr Green said. ''Mr Brooks has caused embarrassment to Tasmania at the highest level, and if he can’t provide a public explanation for his behaviour he should resign.'' Premier Will Hodgman has since said he has made his disapproval known to Mr Brooks for missing the bus, confirming he and the ambassador had received apologies. Mr Brooks has been contacted for comment.
OPPOSITION Leader Bryan Green is calling on Parliamentary Secretary Adam Brooks to be stood down until he fully explains his behaviour during a recent trade mission to China.
Mr Brooks last week publicly apologised to the Premier for missing a bus carrying his delegation to an official dinner with the Chinese President.
Mr Brooks told reporters this weekend: ''I was disappointed to have let down the Premier and I apologised to him and the ambassador for any inconvenience I caused.''
A government spokesman said due to a tight turnaround time Mr Brooks missed the bus by a few minutes.
The spokesman said he was driven separately to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, but missed a ceremonial welcome to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Mr Green insists there must be more to the story, and is calling on Mr Brooks to clear the air.
''Why did Mr Brooks feel it was necessary to provide an apology to the Premier if his reason for missing the start of the President’s function was legitimate?'' Mr Green said.
''Mr Brooks has caused embarrassment to Tasmania at the highest level, and if he can’t provide a public explanation for his behaviour he should resign.''
Premier Will Hodgman has since said he has made his disapproval known to Mr Brooks for missing the bus, confirming he and the ambassador had received apologies.
