Based on the timing of the release of your book, I take it that you will be seeking to inflict damage of some sort, so I give you fair notice that, if you rely on gossip, rumour or innuendo etc in order to damage my reputation or character I will be taking immediate action in the Supreme Court to recover exemplary damages. Any allegations you make against me, based on first hand or second hand information will need to stand up as clear “truth” in court.
You should seek advice as to how a case for exemplary damages proceeds. Step one is a full and frank declaration of the assets of you and your family to the court and the plaintiff.
Bob, I am confident that if you think clearly and carefully on this matter, you will choose to confine your remarks to those of an informed “insider commentator” who was present at an interesting time in politics.
You will have noted, of course, that any public expressions regarding you that I have made since I became Leader have been respectful of history and of you as a now private citizen.
Another, most important, matter for you to consider is new legislation currently before Parliament. This removes the defence of “in the public interest” and will change the legal environment into which you are launching this book.
Please understand that this communication is a clear and legal warning to you that any offered retraction, after the publication of comment or opinion based on untrue matters will not be accepted and I will use all of my family’s assets to pursue you for as long as it takes.
I understand from most other political players who were on the field at the time that they hold similar views to mine and you are likely facing many of your retirement years in and out of the Supreme Court.
You currently have a good general standing in your own community. It would be a shame if that all came to an end because I had to defend myself in the Supreme Court and in the Parliament and in so doing, expose you as being not worthy of that community standing.
I hope your book is honourable and responsible and thereby sells many copies.
Yours sincerely
Rene Hidding MHA
Leader of the Opposition
A Cheek response:
Mr Cheek said he was appalled by Mr Hidding’s letter.
“It’s an unprecedented attempt by a leader of a major political party to try and bully and intimidate me into not telling the truth about my time in politics,” Mr Cheek said yesterday.
He also said he had received anonymous calls from people claiming to represent the Liberal Party.
“One can only ask what has Rene got to hide?” Mr Cheek said.
“It’s my version of the events in a tumultuous time in Tasmanian politics and I’ve told the truth as I see it.
“I don’t know why he’s worrying. I haven’t received any threats from the Labor Party. Even Mark Latham wasn’t subjected to this sort of treatment.
“He doesn’t even know what’s in it — he’s jumping at shadows.”‘
Mr Cheek said it would be published before the next state election, otherwise several players might no longer be in Parliament.
“All I can say is bring it on, make my day,” he said.
The Mercury report:
Cheek war of words
