PRINTER CARTRIDGE SCAM

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (15:10): I seek leave to make an explanation prior to directing a question to the minister representing the Minister for Finance on the subject of 'cartridgegate'.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: On 6 February this year, police commissioner Hyde indicated publicly that, in relation to 'cartridgegate', there had been inquiries conducted by the Anti-Corruption Branch of SAPOL and there have been a number of matters referred to the DPP for advice as to whether or not prosecutions ought to proceed. However, on 30 March of this year, the then director of public prosecutions, Mr Stephen Pallaras, told FIVEaa:

Where we're at the moment is I think at the moment, it has not reached my office as far as I'm aware and I think the investigation is still underway...

It would appear, on a clear reading of the statements of the police commissioner and the director of public prosecutions, that there is a conflict between the positions enunciated in February and March of this year. My questions to the minister are as follows:

1. As at that date, 30 March 2012, had any matters in relation to 'cartridgegate' been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice and, if so, how many matters and how many individuals were involved and what particular departments were involved?

2. Since 30 March, have any further matters in relation to 'cartridgegate' been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice and, if so, how many individuals are involved in those matters and what departments or agencies are involved?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:12): I thank the member for his questions. I will take them on notice and refer them to the Minister for Finance in another place and get an answer back as soon as possible.