FOR Chief Minister Andrew Barr to interfere with the release of the Sofronoff Inquiry report is “outrageous”, says acting Liberals leader Jeremy Hanson.
Hanson is calling on the government to release the inquiry findings – into the prosecution for rape of Bruce Lehrmann – without redactions, and immediately.
The inquiry, headed by Commissioner Walter Sofronoff, reports to the government today, but Barr says the findings will not be released for a month as the government determines how to deal with what are likely to be seriously adverse findings against ACT chief prosecutor Shane Drumgold.
“This has been one of the most important inquiries in the history of the ACT. It goes right to the core of our justice system,” said Hanson.
“The public rightly expect this inquiry to be conducted without prejudice and released without interference.
“In fact, it is the only way to restore faith in the system. The inquiry was called for under accusations of political interference, and the hearings appeared to raise very serious questions. For Mr Barr to now interfere with the release of the report is outrageous.
“For the public to have faith in the system, justice must be impartial and open – not kept secret and only made available to Labor and Greens cabinet Ministers.”
Barr says the ACT government will consider the report “through a proper cabinet process” that would take three to four weeks, with the Legislative Assembly “updated” at the end of August.
Drumgold has been on leave since May and is not due to return until the end of August.
Subject to the contents of the report, and any legal implications, Barr says he intends to table all, or part, of the report during the August parliamentary sitting and “may provide an interim response to some, or all, of the recommendations” at that time.
“We have respected this process throughout. I now call on Mr Barr to also respect the process and the result and release this report to the public in full and without delay.”
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