AN ACCIDENT OF WORTH

Press, 29 May 1982, Page 14

AN ACCIDENT OF WORTH

By

WHIM WHAM

“I believe in my ability to do the job that I am appointed to do. and in the ability of other people to pay me what I am worth.” — Reply by former Cabinet Minister, the Hon. H. J. Walker, to criticism by Mr S. J. Rodger, junior Opposition whip, who called Mr Walker’s $43,000-a-year job in the Accident Compensation “an extended golden handshake.”

I know what I’m worth, I do, And I hope, Sir, you do too. Without any hangdog Humility, I believe in my own Ability, And in Yours, to pay Me the Rate in The Gold which I'm worth my Weight in; The Service I give isn't free, You get What you pay for —that's Me, A part-time rhyming Clown, No ex-Minister of the Crown. I once took a Kind Donation From Accident Compensation — An insignificant Sum For a nasty Cut on the Thumb — How absurd to compare it, Sir. With the Accidents which occur In the Cut and Thrust, the Strife Of busy political Life, Like losing your Seal, and your Job! — Could it even happen to Rob? Can’t a Man so situated Be Accident-Compensated, Without his Mates in the Trade Querying the Sum he’s paid? Why, any One of Them might Find himself in the self-same Plight. With never a Quango in Sight!