Bernardi denies pro-tobacco rules violations ties

Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi has denied that he had violated disclosure rules of parliamentary failing to declare their relationship with the right pro-tobacco group fighting gun control. Senator Bernardi insisted that he did not have to announce their participation in the American Legislative Exchange Council, because he did not believe it creates a conflict of interest. Labor and Greens called for him to be stood down as chairman of the committee Senator interests those policy declarations. American Council, which has financial ties to big tobacco companies lobbied against the Gillard government to a simple law of tobacco packaging. ALEC is also working with the National Rifle Association to block the planned instrument of repression by U.S. President Barack Obama. ALEC member since 2009, Senator Bernardi was cast as parliamentary private secretary of opposition leader Tony Abbott in September, after he made a speech in Parliament who opposed the legislation on same-sex marriage on the grounds that it could lead to calls to legalize bestiality and polygamy. On Sunday, Fairfax Media reported that Senator Bernardi served as an international delegate Alec and as a member of its international target group relations. But Senator Bernardi explained his cash register was full'' before'' date. He said senators are required to disclose official status, the organization in which donations of more than $ 300 have been made, or where the membership could lead to a conflict of interest. '' None of which applies to my status with Alec, which supports the federation of international membership, free markets and limited government,'' he said on Sunday. However, the rules say senators are required to disclose'' any other interests where a conflict of interest with the public duties of senators may be foreseeable or be seen there.'' Greens Senator Richard Di Natale said Senator Bernardi was'' unfit to chair the committee'' interests of senators. In a letter released on Sunday, Senator Bernardi said he was not contacted by Fairfax Media before the story was published. But Fairfax Media also contact his office and keeps a history.