Aust. Govt may set up forces

Press, 13 September 1982, Page 9

Aust. Govt may set up forces

NZPA Canberra The Australian Federal Government may set up a series of specialised task forces to investigate specific areas of criminal activity revealed in the Costigan Royal Commission report on the’ Ship Painters' and Dockers' union. The move emerged from talks in Melbourne between the Federal AttorneyGeneral. Senator Peter Durack. and the Royal Commissioner. Mr Frank Costigan Q.C Mr Durack said after the meeting that the Royal Commission would continue its investigations until a National Crimes Commission was readv to take over.

However, no time has been put on the setting up of the national commission. The talks were called to discuss tactics for prosecuting tax avoiders and those involved in other criminal activities outlined in the report. The Government had already announced the appointment of a special prosecutor with a back-up task force, and said that it would appoint a further task force if necessary. Mr Dtirack said, however, that a number of task forces would be set up when necessary. The task forces would be joint Federal State bodies, and would maintain close liaison with the Royal Commission.