Members

Members, Accommodation Allowances

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:20): Members, in June 2020, allegations were made by the ABC about my claims for the country members' accommodation allowance. Those allegations were referred to the former Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, who commenced an investigation. As a result, I stood down from the presidency of the council. I have always maintained my innocence.

On 2 February 2022, I was advised by the current ICAC that I will not be prosecuted in relation to my claims for the country members' accommodation allowance. This has been confirmed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. I seek leave to table the correspondence from the ICAC confirming the position.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: From my perspective, the matter is now at an end. Now is the time for my family and I to move on with our lives. I will not be making any further comment and have nothing further to add. I thank the many members of this council, who know me well, for their support.