Australian politician quits over Penfolds Grange gift
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A leading Australian politician who has been forced to resign after failing to declare receiving a A$3,000 bottle of Penfolds Grange says he still doesn't remember seeing the wine.
Barry O’Farrell (pictured), the premier of New South Wales (NSW), said he will tender his resignation next week.
He initially denied receiving the wine, but his announcement came after it emerged a personal thank you note for the 1959 vintage Penfolds Grange wine was due to be made public today (16 April). The gift, reportedly sent by businessman Nick Di Girolamo in 2011, was never declared.
‘This has clearly been a significant memory fail on my part, albeit within weeks of coming to office,’ O’Farrell told a press conference.
‘I still can’t recall the receipt of a bottle of 1959 Grange. I still can’t explain what happened to that bottle of wine. But, I do accept there is a thank you note signed by me.
‘As someone who believes in accountability, in responsibility, I accept the consequences.’
Written by Chris Mercer
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Chris Mercer is a Bristol-based freelance editor and journalist who spent nearly four years as digital editor of Decanter.com, having previously been Decanter’s news editor across online and print.
He has written about, and reported on, the wine and food sectors for more than 10 years for both consumer and trade media.
Chris first became interested in the wine world while living in Languedoc-Roussillon after completing a journalism Masters in the UK. These days, his love of wine commonly tests his budgeting skills.
Beyond wine, Chris also has an MSc in food policy and has a particular interest in sustainability issues. He has also been a food judge at the UK’s Great Taste Awards.