FED:Interference claim defamatory: coalition

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2011
FED:Interference claim defamatory: coalition

EDS: Reissuing to correct grammar in lead par



CANBERRA, Aug 25 AAP - Liberal frontbencher Christopher Pyne says suggestions the coalition
interfered in the police investigation into Labor MP Craig Thomson are not only wrong,
but defamatory.

Opposition justice spokesman George Brandis admits he phoned the NSW police minister
four days before the police began an investigation into the misuse of Mr Thomson's union
credit card.

The government has warned against political interference in the case, with Labor minister
Tanya Plibersek labelling the phone call "completely, completely improper".

But Mr Pyne on Thursday said allegations of interference were a smokescreen, given
the police inquiry had yet to start when the call was made.

"The idea that ... somehow George Brandis interfered in a police investigation is highly
defamatory and completely untrue," he told ABC Television.

Mr Pyne repeated the call for Mr Thomson to make a personal explanation to parliament
over the matter and hinted that the member for Dobell had something to hide.

"His concern is that if he does, he will mislead the parliament and be found in contempt."

But Ms Plibersek said Mr Thomson's denials were already on the public record.

"The idea that he has to come into parliament day after day, after day and say the
same thing is nonsense," she told ABC TV.

Asked if Senator Brandis should then address parliament about the phone call to the
NSW police minister, Mr Pyne replied: "He might choose to do so."

AAP cj/sn

KEYWORD: THOMSON PYNE (REISSUING)

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