Deputy Premier backs Gammy's dad
Deputy Premier Kim Hames says he is convinced the paedophile father of baby Gammy has reformed and would not harm his children, who were born in Thailand via commercial surrogacy.
Amid a national backlash against Bunbury couple David and Wendy Farnell after a tell-all interview with Channel 9’s 60 Minutes last night, the WA Health Minister has offered a rare vote of support.
FATHER ASHAMED OF SEX CONVICTIONS
Asked this morning whether he would have any concerns with the couple gaining custody of Gammy, who was born with Down Syndrome and remains in Thailand with his surrogate mother, Dr Hames said he would not.
“I don’t have a concern with the family having baby Gammy,” he said.
“The child needs to have a family, needs to have a loving home.”
Mr Farnell told 60 Minutes he was remorseful over multiple indecent dealing convictions involving three young girls and had “no urges at all of this nature”.
Dr Hames said he believed the children would be safe.
“I know what (Mr Farnell) was convicted of in the past but, I don’t know if you saw the television program, but I have to say I was convinced with his remorse over those issues and that he loves his baby daughter and I think he and his wife will take good care of her.”
Dr Hames’ support is in contrast to judgment of the couple meted out on Twitter during the nationally televised interview, during which Mr Farnell admitted he would have aborted Gammy if scans revealed his condition earlier.
Social commentator Mia Freedman suggested the only person who appeared genuinely upset and disturbed about Gammy’s welfare was the interviewer, Tara Brown.
Comedian Kate Langbroek quipped she would be selling Quicksilver shares if she had any, a reference to Mr Farnell sporting the surfing brand during the broadcast.
