On the 17th July 2001 Tasmania Police dismissed any allegations put about to build up the fox import and release theory directed at three young Tasmanians, because of the complete lack of any evidence to substantiate the allegations.
The written reports of the six senior police detectives simply stated in had all been based on gossip, innuendo, rumour and misinformation.
Rumours, however, that had been put about by certain DPIPWE and NPWS senior personnel.
Rumours, in my opinion, that were deliberately spread and salted with intentionally one outcome sought-after.
The senior police through the chain of command had all written their ‘no evidence’ reports by the end of July 2001.
Didn’t stop the minister reporting to The Mercury at budget time in June 2002 by saying “There were allegations that several litters of foxes were brought in”.
”The series of reports of sightings [match] the original allegations”.
“The two shot foxes match the allegations”.
“Authorities believe they know who brought foxes into Tasmania. But under existing laws the fox smugglers will not be charged as the statute of limitations has run out”.
Yet in a letter to Senator Murphy dated the 20th June 2003 Acting Commissioner Lupo Prins said “Tasmania Police had no evidence to charge any person with the importation of foxes regardless of the Statute of Limitations”.
However the Hansard of the Parliament records the following:
Hansard Thursday 15 June 2006
Mr LLEWELLYN
“We took action in 2002 when three litters of fox cubs were brought back to the State by people who were identified, but were not able to be charged. Certainly the police followed these issues up. I am convinced that those litters were distributed; one in the Longford area, one down the east coast and one south of Oatlands. It was on that basis we established the effort to try to rid the State of foxes. The sightings have declined but there are still excellent sightings and I think we are on top of the issue. We need to monitor and keep on top of the issue. I think in one case a fox that was seen in and around the Burnie area was very clearly a fox that came from Webb Dock or wherever on the mainland, and that was a separate incident from the other that I mentioned. We need to be vigilant on this matter at all levels if we possibly can, so to that extent I agree with the member and I certainly will make any information available as it comes to hand”.
It should be becoming obvious by now who the Flies in the ointment really are.
— Ian Rist
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