EASLING, MR T.

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (15:21): My question is to the Premier. Will the government establish a royal commission or a judicial inquiry with the powers of a royal commission into the Tom Easling matter and, if not, why not? Tom Easling was arrested in a dawn raid by the police. The media were tipped off and in attendance at that dawn raid. His arrest was already on the front page of The Advertiser for that day. There are allegations that inducements were offered to witnesses for testimony. There are allegations that the investigators acted without authority. There are allegations that documents making up evidence were lost or shredded. There are allegations that only selected parts of interviews of witnesses were recorded. Easling was acquitted of all charges. It cost him $1.9 million.

The Hon. M.J. ATKINSON (Croydon—Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (15:22): I watched the segment last night. I am aware of the open letter distributed by Mr Easling to media outlets. The Premier has raised the matter with me and referred it to me for further examination. I have written to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a second and fuller report on the matter and, in particular, on the allegations that the member for Davenport raises.