BURNSIDE COUNCIL

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:32): Will the minister confirm that he forwarded the report to the police commissioner last Friday?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:32): I actually did an interview with Simon Royal in which I made it quite clear that I had received an invitation to send a copy of the draft report, and it would have been Friday of last week. I know that is a big issue for these people. The issue to me is all about the people of Burnside. The recent Supreme Court decision that ruled that a number of the terms of reference were invalid has created a whole range of legal impediments to finishing that report.

In wanting to make sure that the people of Burnside have peace of mind regarding any criminal allegations that may be contained in that report the Crown Solicitor's Office has been instructed to go through all the material and if there is any evidence of criminal activity it will be referred to the DPP. In addition to that, I have been invited by the police commissioner to refer a copy of the report to him, which I have done.