[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Deputy DPP Call Must be Heeded_ N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

GOVERNMENT MUST CREATE OFFICE OF DEPUTY DPP

As DPP's Annual Report Identifies Potential Conflict of Interest for
Solicitor-General 

Nick McKim MP
Greens Opposition Leader

Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today supported the Director of Public Prosecutions
Mr Tim Ellis in his quest for an amendment to the Director of Public
Prosecutions Act 1973 to create the office of a Deputy Director of
Public Prosecutions, and demanded that Attorney-General Lara Giddings
explain the government's failure to act on this issue to date.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that the DPP has identified that a
potential conflict of interest may occur in the event that the DPP is
absent from office, whereby the Solicitor-General may be advising
members of Executive Government whilst at the same time dealing with
sensitive and sometimes secret matters concerning them or their
colleagues.

"The current situation is not fair on the DPP, and is certainly not fair
on the Solicitor-General who may be placed in an impossible position due
to the government's refusal to adopt Mr Ellis' suggestion," Mr McKim
said.

"Mr Ellis has correctly identified a gaping hole in Tasmania's public
legal framework, and it's astounding that the government has not already
adopted the DPP's suggestion."

"I know that proper administration of justice has never been a high
priority for this government, but this is a simple matter which could be
resolved relatively quickly given political will."

Mr McKim said that given Mr Ellis' has disclosed that he has recommended
the creation of the Office of Deputy DPP to the Attorney-General without
result, Ms Giddings should clarify her position on this issue.

"If the Attorney-General believes that the current situation is
acceptable, she should explain why. Otherwise she should just get on
with drafting the amendment so that the potential conflict of interest
can be avoided," Mr McKim said.






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