Mr BURKE - 2005-03-22
You have just said that it was up to the DPP to make decisions regarding the deferring of a court appearance of a prominent Territorian charged with child sex offences. That is fine; I understand that. What I want to know is: do you agree with the DPP that this matter should be deferred until next year?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I can only say that my opinion, privately held, has absolutely nothing to do with anything. What I agree with, Leader of the Opposition, is that there should be separation of the operations of our justice system and the executive arm of government. I intend to respect that to the letter. I will not be commenting on cases that are before our courts.
Madam SPEAKER: I point out to people in the gallery that it is a general rule that matters before a criminal court should not be referred to from the time a person is charged until a sentence, if any, has been announced. Restrictions again apply if an appeal is lodged, and remains in place. That is why I have cautioned members about the way in which they ask questions.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I can only say that my opinion, privately held, has absolutely nothing to do with anything. What I agree with, Leader of the Opposition, is that there should be separation of the operations of our justice system and the executive arm of government. I intend to respect that to the letter. I will not be commenting on cases that are before our courts.
Madam SPEAKER: I point out to people in the gallery that it is a general rule that matters before a criminal court should not be referred to from the time a person is charged until a sentence, if any, has been announced. Restrictions again apply if an appeal is lodged, and remains in place. That is why I have cautioned members about the way in which they ask questions.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016