Ms CARNEY - 2006-10-17
The policy officer who works for your inquiry into sexual abuse in Aboriginal communities published a number of views in the article he wrote for the National Indigenous Times. Putting aside his offensive views in relation to immunity for the prosecution of those who abuse children, on any reading, the rest of his comments condone and sanction violence against children, which is why they are so offensive. Why will you not take steps to remove him from your inquiry?
ANSWER
Mr Acting Speaker, again, I make the critical point: this is an independent inquiry. I believe the Opposition Leader would be first on her feet if it was not an independent inquiry. The inquiry into the protection from sexual abuse of Aboriginal children has to be able to give advice to government without fear, without favour, and it is independent. I state again, government does not support those views. Government would not accept any recommendations that had those views encompassed within them, and Rex Wild has made that statement this morning on radio. It is an independent inquiry and, from government’s point of view, we have to accept that the inquiry will appoint those people they feel most appropriate.
Ms Carney: And you will do nothing. You are a coward.
Ms MARTIN: That is the nature, Mr Acting Speaker, of independence.
ANSWER
Mr Acting Speaker, again, I make the critical point: this is an independent inquiry. I believe the Opposition Leader would be first on her feet if it was not an independent inquiry. The inquiry into the protection from sexual abuse of Aboriginal children has to be able to give advice to government without fear, without favour, and it is independent. I state again, government does not support those views. Government would not accept any recommendations that had those views encompassed within them, and Rex Wild has made that statement this morning on radio. It is an independent inquiry and, from government’s point of view, we have to accept that the inquiry will appoint those people they feel most appropriate.
Ms Carney: And you will do nothing. You are a coward.
Ms MARTIN: That is the nature, Mr Acting Speaker, of independence.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016