Fraser calls on N.S.W. to test Sinclair in court
NZPA-Reuter Canberra The Australian Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser) has called on the New South Wales Government to launch a prosecution against the former Federal Primary Industry Minister, Mr lan Sinclair. He said the way in which the Finnane report had been handled by the state Government created real doubt as to whether the due processes of law were now adequate to enable Mr Sinclair to “have his day in court.” Mr Sinclair resigned last week after the tabling of the ireport, which investigated jthe business affairs of a group of companies with ■ which Mr Sinclair was asso- , ciated.
There were three options open to the state Government, Mr Fraser said. The report could be “left hanging in the air," the state Government taking no action.
“If that is the course they pursue, a grave and serious injustice will have been done,” Mr Fraser said in his weekly electorate talk.
The second course would be to launch a prosecution.
“Attorney-General Frank Walker might continue to say that is a matter for Mr Finnane to recommend. The New South Wales Crown solicitor would make his own recommendations. But, it would be Mr Walker who would finally be able to say whether or not that prosecution would proceed. “There is no way the Attorney-General can avoid lhat decision — he cannot dissociate himself from it.” Mr Fraser said that if the New South Wales Government was not prepared to launch a prosecution, the only other option would be for the Finnane report to be totally repudiated by Mr Neville. Wran and his Government.
He said the report threw bare to the light of the day a contemporary challenge to the rule of law, the right of fair trial, and to the role of the Parliament.
Mr Fraser said there was a question as to whether there should be some new rules for the conduct of such inquiries.
Australian community.” Mr Fraser said the role of Parliament when such investigations were under way was also in need of serious examination.
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Press, 1 October 1979, Page 8
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345Fraser calls on N.S.W. to test Sinclair in court Press, 1 October 1979, Page 8
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