Circles Of Fear

by Brian Cain

CHAPTER FORTY ONE

  Monday, August the twenty-third, ten am. Jason led the APP into Parliament House Canberra, the press and public galleries were standing room only. Jason took his place opposite Horton the Prime Minister. Although the country was unofficially in election mode, the Advance Party government was still trying to push through budget strategy they had no funding for. These strategies were nothing more than bribes to the states unemployed and government workers, to lure their votes. Jason had found un-funded holes in the government’s proposed spending; he hoped the campaign would be free of scandal and be fought on factual grounds for the people. These facts were to be the brunt of his campaign, he had accurate outlines for his own ideas. The speaker opened question time; Horton went on the attack.

  “My question Mr Speaker,” said Horton, “is directed to the member for Parkin, the honourable Jason Brinkly, unofficial leader of the party I hear if you don’t mind Mr Speaker. Is it true, that two members of the APP have been suspended and will be expelled and replaced before the coming election? If so for what reason, and have they misled this house?” Advance members chuckled and shouted abuse as Horton sat down with a snide look on his face.

  “The member for Parkin, Jason Brinkly,” said the speaker. Jason rose to reply. He waited for half a minute or so before complete silence filled the air, he stared at the government ministers one by one with a blank look. He hadn’t even spoken yet and they felt intimidated.

  “Mr Speaker, it was my intention to come here and lay down solid facts for the people of Australia to see, so they could decide their futures. Unfortunately I am confronted with scandal, rather than fact that they should look upon. I have found this in all areas of management lately, not just here. It is my intention to eradicate this from society, so we can all get on with our lives rather than pick on everyone else’s. To constantly bring shortcomings to the forefront is a good thing if you’re a policeman. It should be done here too, but not to cloud the real issues of the day. Now we have been forced onto the subject, I feel we will have to deal with it. Yes, two APP ministers are under investigation by the police.” The Advance members went into uproar, shouting abuse and talking amongst themselves.

  The speaker brought down his hammer. “Order! Order! The member for Parkin will continue!” shouted the speaker. Jason waited for complete silence.

  “It was brought to my attention by police, that the two members were collaborating with the now-jailed Mayor of Adelaide, Fred Banks. Investigations are continuing into Banks’ affairs, which involved the two members who are federal members. Their arrest is expected shortly on serious fraud and embezzlement charges.” The Advance members again threw abuse at Jason. He waited several minutes for order and when there was complete silence, he spoke. “Anyone in my government, who acts against the people, taking their hard-earned money, as these people have, will bear the full weight of the law. These people’s names will be released to the press when the investigation is complete and will be judged by the people who read it. They will live a life of exile from normal life, even in jail they will be looked down on, as even misguided people have honour. Evil people do not. Mr Speaker, now we are on this subject, I would like to direct a question to the Prime Minister Mr Horton?”

  “Member for Parkin has the floor,” replied the speaker.

  “If you found this going on in your ranks, would you act responsibly as I have?”

  Horton stayed seated. “In reply to that impertinent question, yes, but we have no such problems like yourself.”

  Jason was still standing. “I have been approached by the South Australian police commissioner and the attorney general with this report.” Jason waved a wad of files above his head. “It outlines a bridge of corruption deep in the government, all to do with the goings on of Fred Banks. A total of three ministers in your ranks are named here, I suggest you have a look, yours is right at the top.” During this exchange, the APP members had remained silent and calm. The Advance government was in uproar, shouting, screaming, some members had walked out. Calm finally fell on the house again, several Advance members sat and listened to Jason with great interest when he finally continued. Horton looked shocked and pale. “A copy of this will be forwarded to the media, along with APP budget estimates and policies. It seems that we can trust the media to tell the people of the country what’s going on, far more than its present government. A situation I plan to fix as a loyal member of the APP. The results of this investigation are being forwarded to the National Crime Commission. If they don’t act, then I will. May I suggest a recess Mr Speaker?”

  “This house will recess until one pm!” cried the speaker.

  At one pm only two thirds of the Advance Party returned to the house, Horton was one of the absent. Jason forwarded a motion of his plan of advanced technology to cut pollution, tax reform so everyone paid his or her fair share. Working with unions to provide a more positive workforce that could look forward to the future. He mentioned his ambitions of leadership in Canberra, as most of what he wanted to achieve would need a position of high office. The speaker closed the proceedings at three-thirty. The media had another frenzy; the front page was littered with Jason’s progress.

  During the next ten days, the papers told the continuing story of the Banks domino corruption scandal. On Wednesday the fifteenth of September, the National Crime Commission laid charges on three South Australian federal Advance Party ministers. On Thursday morning, after a meeting with the Governor General, they all resigned. Friday it was another story that made front page around the country. On the same Thursday, Jason and Anita married amid much fanfare. The marriage was at the same registry office as his marriage to Malinda, Tammy came along, clinging to her stepmother as if they had never been apart. The reception was at Jason’s home, it was all small and informal. They both wanted it that way; they were both very busy with their work. Anita, now a member of the Brinkly board, had factory space in Adelaide from within the organisation and was busy with preparing for production of Regeneration. Mallita Cosmetic’s first perfume. Jason continued on as if he was in election mode, continuing to push his ideas as policies for the APP.

  The loss of further federal members due to the Banks affair and the defection of independent senators in the upper house had made it impossible for the government to govern. Horton was under close investigation by the National Crime Commission which was forced to act.

  Monday the twenty eighth, one pm. Prime Minister Horton met with the Governor General, informing him of the situation. The Governor General called a double dissolution, leaving Horton’s cabinet as caretaker government. Close numbers in both houses had made governing the country difficult and with the added complications, uncertainty had caused much apprehension with investment and growth. A federal election date of Saturday the thirtieth of October was made at the same time, to ease tension.

  Wednesday the twenty-ninth of September. A full party meeting of the APP in Canberra saw Peter Carlton, leader of the APP step down. Jason Brinkly was elected in his place, unopposed. Whilst walking a line, shaking every members hand after the meeting, Jason’s magic and charisma enchanted those he touched. His power also struck fear into those who were evil. After meeting more than two hundred people, he was pleased to find only five had fled in terror, hexed by his presence. He was to stay in Canberra to meet with the existing shadow cabinet tomorrow morning, to discuss campaign policies and map strategy for the election.

  During Thursday’s meeting with Carlton, Densley and twenty-six other key shadow cabinet ministers, the meeting was interrupted by raised voices in the corridor outside. Jason rose from his seat to open the door of the top floor of the Hilton conference room. Carlton tried to stop him.

  “Don’t open it Jason, it could be trouble, you must be careful,” said Carlton. “Leave it to the security boys.”

  “No,” replied Jason. “Someone has been sent to see me.” He opened the door to find a tall thin man, wearing a well-tailored grey suit, arguing with the secur
ity guard. The man extended his hand.

  “Dick Hamlin, pleased to meet you Mr Brinkly,” said Hamlin.

  “Good God, it’s Dick, Horton’s own aid,” said Carlton. “Guard, escort Mr Hamlin to the main door, he’s the opposition.”

  “Not any more he’s not,” said Jason. If he were the opposition, he wouldn’t be here would he? Come in.” Jason closed the door. “What can we do for you?”

  “I think it may be what I can do for you,” replied Hamlin.

  “This man,” said Carlton, “has been the reason why Advance governed so long with such a small majority; his powers as a negotiator are second to none. Horton would have been lost without him. He is the enemy, but I have great respect for his honesty and intelligence.”

  “I was the enemy,” said Hamlin. “I resigned today, to come here to see you Mr Brinkly. Now I stand with you, I can see they have no chance. I wish to serve with you.”

  Jason looked at the faces in the room. “Can anyone here say why this man should not do what he does best and join us?” There was no response.

  Carlton nodded his head. “You see things no one else sees and have no malice against your enemies Jason, powerful talents.”

  “Your enemies may be friends, as your friends may be enemies. The power to accept or reject lies with your instinct, not your feelings. Feelings can be changed, once instinct has prevailed. I forward Dick Hamlin as my aid and our political advise,” said Jason.

  “I second that nomination,” said Carlton.

  “All in favour show a hand,” asked Jason. The vote was unanimous. “Enter this in the minutes of the meeting chairman and welcome to the Australian People’s Party Dick. Sit down. I believe we have a lot to talk about.”