‘Network of conspiracy’

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32701, 2 September 1971, Page 13

‘Network of conspiracy’

(N.Z.P.A. Staff Correspondent) MELBOURNE, Sept 1. A network of criminal

conspiracy existed between members of the Victoria Police Force and abortionists, according to an official report tabled in the state parliament last night.

The report, by Mr William Kaye, Q.C., on police corruption and illegal abortion practices, arose from the long abortion inquiry held in Melbourne last year after allegations by the abortion-law reformer, Dr Bertram Wainer, who appeared in the Bankruptcy Court yesterday. The report contains evidence of thousand of dollars exchanging hands between

Melbourne abortionists and certain police officers. Mr Kaye recommended criminal proceedings against four policemen, three of whom .were convicted and one acquitted.

Mr Kaye strongly criticised most of the doctors who gave evidence about abortion activities. “They failed to show proper respect for the truth,” he said. “The only alleged abortionist among them whose evidence was truthful was a former doctor, Mr J. G. A Troup.” a Mr Kaye said that Dr Wainer, who obtained affidavits which led to the inquiry, had exaggerated, told half-truths, and been prepared to use misleading statements to achieve his ends. “Dr Wainer did not treat facts as sacred,” Mr Kaye added. The evidence of Mrs Mar-

gery Berman—a chief witness at the inquiry—had many unsatisfactory aspects, he went on. She had been a dominant figure in corrupt practices with police,officers extending over 14 years. In the Melbourne Bankruptcy Court yesterday, Dr Wainer was examined on his general financial position after a petition from the Deputy Commissioner for Taxation for Bankrupty, based on tax debts of $1396. Dr Wainer told Mr Justice Sweeney that he was $BOOO in debt. For the Taxation Department, Mr C. Wheeler said that Dr Wainer had arranged to pay the money in weekly instalments, and the debt would be cleared by next February. In the meantime, Dr Wainer would work in a Queensland hospital and begin a private practice.