Corruption—inquiry prosecutions soon

Press, 23 December 1988, Page 10

Corruption—inquiry prosecutions soon

NZPA-AAP Brisbane Queensland’s special prosecutions office already had 109 charges either prepared or “in the pipeline” arising from the Fitzgerald inquiry, a prosecutor, Doug Drummond, Q.C., said. Mr Drummond said he expected some to be in the courts in February. He said Police Commissioner Sir Terence Lewis, the former Premier, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen and a former Cabinet Minister, Russ Hinze, were among those whose lives were under a cloud because of the inquiry evidence. He said he would study evidence relating to them first.

“I am very concerned with the position of all these people, not just Sir Terence Lewis, but a whole range of people who are under a very significant cloud,” he said. “I’m very concerned personally that their position be resolved oije way

or another as soon as possible,” he said. Indemnities given to witnesses including the police bagman, Jack Herbert, would also be reviewed.

Mr Drummond said police corruption, which formed the basis of Mr Fitzgerald’s inquiries, would provide the basis for a large amount of his work.

He said some cases could arise from material which was not made public at the Inquiry.

He preferred most cases to proceed by summons but he would have people arrested if necessary.

He would not discuss the possibility of charges under Section 87 of the Criminal Code which prevents misuse of official position for private gain, but he said he saw no difficulty in using evidence in prosecutions that was covered by Cabinet secrecy.