Fed: Democrats leader practises stand by farewell speech

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2001
Fed: Democrats leader practises stand by farewell speech

MELBOURNE, April 6 AAP - Australian Democrats leader Senator Meg Lees delivered what
amounted to a stand-by farewell speech in Melbourne today.

Senator Lees, who later today will learn the result of a ballot on the Democrat leadership,
said she had taken the opportunity to place her achievements on the record.

"Tomorrow the Democrats may or may not have a new leader," Senator Lees said.

"Under my leadership I contend that my party's basic principles have been advanced significantly.

"Under my leadership, our fundamental approach to our political role ... has advanced."

Speaking to a group of business leaders in Melbourne, Senator Lees said the Democrats
was the only political party in Australia that practised complete democracy.

She said she was proud to be a Democrat and would accept the verdict of the party members.

"Whether tomorrow I am leader or backbencher, I shall continue to work hard to promote
the principles and policies of my party," she said.

Senator Lees declined to comment on her party's future should she lose the leadership
to deputy leader, Natasha Stott Despoja.

AAP mh/imc/mg/bwl

KEYWORD: DEMOCRATS LEES

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