[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Attorney-General Denies Tasmania Much-Needed Independent Investigative Body_N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

LLEWELLYN DENIES TASMANIA A MUCH-NEEDED INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIVE BODY
And Improves Case for Commission of Inquiry into 'Shreddergate'
Nick McKim MP
Deputy Leader and Justice Spokesperson
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300
www.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today said that Attorney-General David Llewellyn
has left Tasmania without the prospect of an independent investigative
body after he yesterday refused to consider expanding the powers of the
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Greens Deputy Leader and Justice spokesperson Nick McKim MP also
criticised Mr Llewellyn's refusal to refer the 'Sheddergate' issue to
the DPP, saying that only a Commission of Inquiry can now get to the
bottom of the scandal surrounding judicial appointments in Tasmania.
"Mr Llewellyn's position leaves Tasmania without the independent
investigative body we so desperately need, and further reaffirms the
need for an anti-corruption body in this state," Mr McKim said.
"Mr Llewellyn is effectively saying that Tasmania does not need an
independent investigative body, a position that may suit his government
but clearly leaves a massive vacuum in our public structures."
"The government's refusal to refer 'Shreddergate' to the DPP just
increases the pressure for a Commission of Inquiry, which the Greens
will pursue vigorously when Parliament resumes."