[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Bartlett Must Adopt Independent Interim Inquiry Proposal_N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

PRECEDENT EXISTS FOR INTERIM INDEPENDENT INQUIRY
 
Time for a Constructive and Co-operative Approach from Tasmania's
Political Leaders

Nick McKim MP
Greens Leader

Thursday, 23 October 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today suggested that Tasmania's political leaders
work constructively together to initiate an independent interim inquiry
into the current governance crisis in Tasmania, and reminded Mr Bartlett
and Mr Hodgman that a precedent exists as such an inquiry was conducted
under Attorney-General Peter Patmore prior to the 2000 Commission of
Inquiry into the death of Joseph Gilewicz.

Greens Opposition Leader Nick McKim MP repeated the offer that he made
in Parliament yesterday to meet with Premier Bartlett and Opposition
Leader Will Hodgman to discuss possible terms of reference, and to
consider an appropriate independent person to lead such an inquiry.

"There is a way forward, but it will require partisan politics to be put
aside to deliver a process which can help restore confidence in
governance in Tasmania." 

"I truly believe that the Tasmanian community would welcome the sight of
its three political leaders working constructively together to deliver
an outcome."  

"In the current climate it would be very unwise for Mr Bartlett to
attempt to resolve matters behind closed doors, in fact it is that
tendency which has led us to the current impasse." 

"The community will not be reassured by the Premier cobbling together a
behind the scenes solution and blithely informing everyone that the
crisis is over - there must be a proper review of the type that we have
suggested to give Tasmanians confidence in the outcome."  

"This inquiry need not be drawn out or expensive - it could be conducted
relatively quickly so that we can move on and propose solutions to the
real issues facing Tasmania in areas like health, housing, education and
the need to live sustainably."

"The purpose of this review is to have an impartial, qualified
'outsider' make an informed recommendation whether the situation does
require further comprehensive investigation and if so, what form it
should take." "Ultimately the extent of any review would be determined
by the person conducting it, which is why we believe that person must be
impartial and with no links to anyone involved."

Mr McKim said that in 1999 when Peter Patmore was Attorney-General
arrangements were made for an independent review to be conducted by a
legal expert on matters associated with the Police Shooting of Joseph
Gilewicz.  This review, conducted by Stephen Estcourt QC, was empowered
by Mr Patmore to interview witnesses if necessary, and to advise the
government whether matters arising required further investigation and if
so, what nature of investigation should occur.  The Estcourt Review made
a single recommendation that a Commission of Inquiry be held.

"Precedent exists for this kind of carefully targeted review, but the
ball is now firmly in Mr Bartlett's court." 

Mr McKim said that his suggestion does not change the Greens' view that
Tasmania requires a standing independent Authority to investigate
allegations of maladministration and potential corruption in the public
sector.





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