[Greens-Media] Macquarie Fields inquiry needs to be top down * rank and file police not target

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 16 March 2005

Macquarie Fields inquiry needs to be top down * rank and file police not target

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said today the Macquarie Fields inquiry needs to be a top down investigation and not an inquiry into rank and file police. 

"A parliamentary inquiry is needed as there are many lessons to be learnt from recent events at Macquarie Fields. We need to consider how governments shape communities and how public servants are then left to manage those political decisions.

"It is vital that we examine the role of senior police and their involvement in operational matters at Macquarie Fields.

"We need to determine if the separation of powers between the Minister's office and the office of the Commissioner of Police is in place. 

"The role of individual rank and file police officers should not be the focus of a parliamentary inquiry.

"Any inquiry should also consider how the police media units are being used to minimise electoral damage for the government.

"The Greens have also proposed that the inquiry look at the provision of services and the causes of disadvantage in Macquarie Fields," said Ms Rhiannon

Contact:  Alison Orme * 92303551, 0408 976 707


Alison Orme (Tues, Wed & alternate Thurs)
Policy Adviser
Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
NSW Parliament
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
ph 02 9230 3549
mob 0432 332 104
fax 02 9230 3550
email: alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.lee.greens.org.au