Mr MILLS - 2008-02-14
Now that the Bob Collins’ matter is no longer before any court or tribunal, can you tell this House whether you were briefed about the investigation into Bob Collins. If so, on what date; who was present; who briefed you; and what were you told?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. We have been over this issue in this parliament time and time again. There have been dozens of questions. The current Leader of the Opposition, the member for Araluen, and members of the opposition staff were briefed, on request to me as Police minister at the time, by the Police Commissioner on exactly these issues.
The Leader of the Opposition well knows the answer to his question because it is not a new question. It certainly has been on the record. The Leader of the Opposition was briefed on this issue by the Police Commissioner himself. I was informed in general terms of the investigation by the Police Commissioner when it was at an advanced stage, as appropriate as Police minister. I was given the same basic facts as the opposition was in its briefing, which was attended by the members for Blain and Araluen. The Police Commissioner made it perfectly clear the information that I was given, quite appropriately as Police minister, was given to the Leader of the Opposition at that time. The Police Commissioner has also made it very clear that political interference did not occur and standard procedures were followed.
Mr Mills: Have an inquiry.
Mr HENDERSON: This is all on the public record. The Leader of the Opposition had a briefing to that effect from the Police Commissioner himself. There is nothing new. The only new information that comes to light today are the results of the Coroner’s inquiry into the death of Bob Collins.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. We have been over this issue in this parliament time and time again. There have been dozens of questions. The current Leader of the Opposition, the member for Araluen, and members of the opposition staff were briefed, on request to me as Police minister at the time, by the Police Commissioner on exactly these issues.
The Leader of the Opposition well knows the answer to his question because it is not a new question. It certainly has been on the record. The Leader of the Opposition was briefed on this issue by the Police Commissioner himself. I was informed in general terms of the investigation by the Police Commissioner when it was at an advanced stage, as appropriate as Police minister. I was given the same basic facts as the opposition was in its briefing, which was attended by the members for Blain and Araluen. The Police Commissioner made it perfectly clear the information that I was given, quite appropriately as Police minister, was given to the Leader of the Opposition at that time. The Police Commissioner has also made it very clear that political interference did not occur and standard procedures were followed.
Mr Mills: Have an inquiry.
Mr HENDERSON: This is all on the public record. The Leader of the Opposition had a briefing to that effect from the Police Commissioner himself. There is nothing new. The only new information that comes to light today are the results of the Coroner’s inquiry into the death of Bob Collins.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016