FRASER, MR G.B.

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON (15:09): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Police a question about Graham Bennett Fraser.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON: The case of former senior inspector Graham Bennett Fraser received some publicity earlier this month. It was revealed that Fraser had led a double life, pursuing what someone described as an illustrious police career whilst engaging in criminal sexual offences with teenage girls. He confessed his offences to police authorities, but they could not prosecute. The SAPOL disciplinary process saw him merely reduced in the ranks from senior inspector to inspector.

The criminal behaviour of Fraser was probably a breach of trust. More certainly, the actions of the police and its International Investigations Unit were clearly a breach of public trust. At the time of this deplorable affair, we had the Ombudsman, the Auditor-General, the Police Complaints Authority and a special police unit—all organisations the Rann government claims make it unnecessary to have an independent commission against corruption in this state. Many would disagree with the government. I should mention also that the present police commissioner has indicated that he has asked the Police Complaints Authority to review disciplinary decisions, and the matter has been referred to Mr Tony Wainwright. My questions are:

1. Why has the minister himself not commissioned an independent inquiry, rather than leaving this matter to the police commissioner to have it dealt with through police channels, so that, in effect—and certainly in the public perception—this will be a case of the police investigating the police?

2. My question relates to the chair of the Police Complaints Authority, Mr Tony Wainwright, who has retired but is presently in an acting capacity because the government has not appointed a successor. When will a replacement be appointed?

3. Is it true that former auditor-general Ken MacPherson was approached to fill the position of acting chair of the Police Complaints Authority prior to his taking up the position in relation to the Burnside council?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:13): I will refer the question to the police minister, but let me say that Mr Fraser, as I understand it, has now been convicted and is serving time—and that was as a result of action taken by the police. I would have thought that the pertinent issue here is that the legislation Mr Evans introduced some time ago removed the statute of limitation in relation to those offences. However, that action being taken, I believe this matter was appropriately investigated by the police and action was taken.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: Well, the fact is he has been dealt with because the legislation has been changed. However, it would not matter whether or not we had an ICAC if there was a statute of limitations against bringing charges against a person, and I am sure the Hon. Mr Lawson of all people would understand that. That act having been changed, and appropriately with the full support of the government, I understand that the appropriate action has been taken by the police and the prosecution, and the courts have delivered the appropriate penalty. So, I do not really concede the point the Hon. Mr Lawson is trying to make. However, in relation to the specifics of the question, I will refer that to the Minister for Police. In relation to the replacement for Mr Wainwright, I understand that cabinet has already made that decision, and it is really up to the Attorney-General when that announcement is made.