[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Clarity Required Over Ex-Gratia Reports_N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

CLARITY NEEDED ON EX-GRATIA PAYMENT

Nick McKim MP
Greens Opposition Leader

Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today said that Premier David Bartlett should
clarify whether the legal letter he received last week from a lawyer
representing a DPAC employee with close links to Paula Wriedt's office
contained a request for the government to make an ex-gratia payment, and
if so, whether that request is being considered as part of the 'proper
formal process' which is underway.

Greens Opposition Leader Nick McKim MP said he is not suggesting that
legal privilege be breached, but that there is a legitimate public
interest in Mr Bartlett being up-front about whether the government is
considering making an ex-gratia payment.

"Tasmanian taxpayers have a right to know whether the government is
considering an ex-gratia payment in relation to this issue. After all,
it is their money that could be at stake here," Mr McKim said.

Mr McKim reiterated that he wished Ms Wriedt and her family all the
best, and repeated that he would not be speculating or commenting on any
circumstances that may have led to Ms Wriedt's hospitalisation this
week.

"There are important human dimensions to this situation which deserve
everyone's respect."



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