Channel 7 Today Tonight (Adelaide)

Bill Morris appointment as magistrate 10 November 2006

In order of appearance

Leigh McCluskey - presenter
Graham Archer - producer and interviewer
Andrew Martin - former Liddy victim

Program

Leigh McCluskey

But first tonight, some breaking news that may have you scratching your head. Today the Attorney-General's department announced the appointment of two new magistrates. One, barrister Simon Malartso - and the other, Bill Morris. That's the same Bill Morris who was pedophile Peter Liddy's power of attorney and close friend. While the appropriateness of that appointment might raise eyebrows - we don't know if the fact that Mr Morris is currently a person of interest in a police investigation, was something the Rann government was aware of when making their decision. Graham archer has this report.

Graham Archer

We've all heard of the crisis facing our courts. Insufficient judges and insufficient resources. Well the Attorney-General Michael Atkinson has come up with something of solution - and appointed two new magistrates. One of which is Bill "Wags" Morris. That’s right - Peter Liddy's friend and former power of attorney - is now himself a magistrate.

Andrew Martin [file tape]

I'm sorry could you repeat that?

Graham Archer

You might recall in November 2004 Morris was appointed as investigator in the Mullighan Inquiry into the abuse of wards of the state. Until Today Tonight raised question of how appropriate it was for the government to make such an appointment.

[File tape] Bill Morris is Peter Liddy's Power of Attorney. He's now heading up the investigation into the abused Wards of the State.

[File tape] And the period over which this Inquiry is to look is exactly the period over which this man's friend was most active.

Andrew Martin [file tape]

If that's not a kick in the guts, what is - and - oh mate - that's just - it does not surprise me though, it does not surprise me.

Graham Archer [file tape]

That's pretty sad isn't it?

Andrew Martin [file tape]

Very sad.

Graham Archer

While Liddy's victims like Andrew Martin were shocked, we copped the predictable abuse from the Minister responsible, Jay Weatherill, who apparently didn't appreciate the sensitivities involved.

Jay Weatherill [file tape – parliament]

I made the decision. But I didn't expect a scurrilous and appalling attack and dishonest attack on a thoroughly decent human being.

Graham Archer

Morris is closely involved in the controversy over the handling of Liddy's assets after he was jailed. He was Liddy's go between with the outside world, and on instructions,  cancelled the contents insurance policy over Liddy's house just days after a series of attempted break-ins. And despite it being subject to court protection.  

Andrew Martin [file tape]

Why would you do that? Cancel the insurance policies after two attempted break-ins had been reported? All I have to say to that is why?

Graham Archer

The Attorney-General, or someone in his department ought to have known that Bill Morris is also a person of interest in a current SAPOL fraud squad investigation into the disappearance of certain assets from Liddy's house.

Graham Archer [file tape]

Morris arranged for Liddy's friend Eric Van Kruyssen to visit the house and make their own list of assets.

Andrew Martin

No I wasn't aware of that. So, they made their own list? And how am I to believe that that list is correct?

Graham Archer

That list became the only list. In midst of all this - a decision is made to make Bill Morris a magistrate. Once again, we have a demonstration of the Rann government's inability to exercise proper judgment when it comes to restoring the public's faith in our justice system.

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