Labor again ignores due process

Will Hodgman MP Leader of the State Opposition. Tuesday 28 April 2009
THE revelation by the Premier that he has personally written to persons mentioned in the Select Committee report into Public Sector Executive Appointments is astonishing.

Mr Bartlett has admitted he has written to his predecessor Paul Lennon, his Caucus colleague Steve Kons, and the other persons named to see what they think of the report.

For the Premier of the State to personally involve himself in this matter, when the Parliament is still awaiting the government’s response to the report, is mystifying.

This very act by David Bartlett who apparently has appointed himself both as investigator and judge, highlights the urgent need for an independent anti-corruption and ethics commission.

Mr Bartlett on the one hand criticises the Legislative Council for politicians judging politicians – and then he has the bare-faced cheek to do exactly that!

The Premier must immediately make public the letters he has written, and the advice which prompted him to write.

It needs to be made clear that David Bartlett’s decision to intervene has not derailed future investigation of the serious matters raised.

The recommendations in the report suggest that, in certain cases, the evidence of witnesses be referred to the Legislative Council’s privileges committee, or to the State Service Commissioner for independent examination by a judicial officer.