House of Assembly – Hansard

[This version of the document has been edited by Dr Robert N Moles
Underlining where it occurs is for editorial emphasis]

Wednesday 4 May 2005

Mr BRINDAL (Unley)

My question is to the Premier. Given that the lost or stolen Peter Liddy assets have been rediscovered by Channel 7's Today Tonight, will the Premier now acknowledge that the program was right in pursuing major problems in our legal system and apologise to its producer, Mr Graham Archer? In July 2003, the Premier wrote to the Channel 7 network's Director of News and Current Affairs in Sydney complaining about Today Tonight and the actions of the show's producer, Mr Graham Archer. The letter states (and I am happy to table it):

Today Tonight has clear belief that the justice system in South Australia is somehow fatally flawed, and has set out about building a case to vindicate its theory, which it appears has become a personal crusade of the program's Graham Archer. The program has failed to inspire any other media in South Australia to follow their cause.

The Premier himself acknowledges that there is now enormous media and public concern about the state of our legal system such as with the Nemer case, the Keogh case, wards of the state, and the Eugene McGee case, and now we have seen the re-discovery of the lost or stolen Peter Liddy collection.

The Hon. M.D.RANN (Premier)

I can announce to the house today that I understand the Solicitor-General is currently examining Keogh's third petition for mercy. I understand that the Today, Tonight program did have programs in relation to the alleged involvement of a member of parliament and the guns. I am not sure where they are up to in relation to that inquiry.

Mr BRINDAL (Unley)

I will read into the record a letter to Mr Peter Meakin, Network Director of News and Current Affairs, ATM7, Mobs Lane, Epping, New South Wales, which states:

Dear Mr Meakin

The Hon. M.J.Atkinson

Be careful who you get into bed with.

Mr BRINDAL

I would like the Hansard record to show that the Attorney said, `Be careful who you get into bed with.' That is an important interjection. The letter states:

I wrote to you in the absence of the CEO of Channel 7, Adelaide, Mr Max Walters, who I understand is on leave. Max and I have written several letters to each other over the past few months concerning the behaviour of Today Tonight Adelaide, which I believe has been acting with malice towards me. Please find enclosed copies of our correspondence. You will note that the program only referred to me as `Media Mike'

[so does most of South Australia] and accused me of smothering problems with speeches, politics before people, careers before conscience. Mr Walters rejected this as malice, but said, `I also give you my personal undertaking that I will maintain even stronger than normal vigilance to make sure such inappropriate references are not made again.'

Today Tonight has had a clear belief that the justice system in South Australia is somehow fatally flawed and has set about building a case to vindicate its theory, which it appears has become a personal crusade of the program's Graham Archer. The program has failed to inspire any other media in South Australia to follow their cause. Unfortunately, Mr Walters cannot keep vigilance while on leave and the program is again running with more on this topic tonight. Tonight's program raises issues concerning two former Labor Party members one a former MP who ended up back in the courts in 1999. From promotions we have seen of the broadcast there appears to be no information new to that which was placed on the public record five years ago and indeed attracted considerable media attention.

Last Friday Mr Archer left a message with my media adviser Jill Bottrall requesting a one to one interview with me about this issue on my return to Adelaide from an overseas trade mission. Mr Archer was not admitted to the press conference I gave within hours of returning from an overseas trade mission the following day, Saturday, in which he wished to raise the issue of these two people. Immediately after the press conference, which I would like to make clear was attended by Channel 7 representatives, my media adviser Jill Bottrall spoke to Mr Archer in order to make arrangements for me to appear on the program. Ms Bottrall told Mr Archer that I would be prepared to be interviewed live in the studio by its presenter, Leigh McClusky, during this week. Mr Archer said that this arrangement would be unacceptable because there were issues he wanted me to consider and think through before giving answers. This could be easily resolved by sending through to my office the questions prior to the interview. Mr Archer said he would think about the offer and get back to us, but he is now going ahead with the story tonight without giving me the opportunity to respond. I raise your attention to this and make it clear that any inference in tonight's program that I refused to speak to Today Tonight would be absolutely wrong and I consider it an act of malice.

Obviously the Premier takes some umbrage with the way a particular television station has presented facts over the last two years, but it is now a fact that the assets in the Liddy case have now come to light. The Attorney stated in his statement to this house on 13 August 2002 (in particular his final words):

Where such allegations are to be found to be of substance they will be pursued with vigilance.

That is what he told this house. He also said: The Solicitor-General has found that there was not sufficient substance to the allegation for there to be a further inquiry.

He further stated: There is no substance to the allegations of corruption or criminal behaviour in either the District Court or the judiciary.

He has actually said very publicly that this is a civil matter. An officer of the court is sworn to the court and, if they behave inappropriately towards the court, it is not a civil matter: it is a most serious matter that touches on the efficacy of the judiciary and the entire legal system of South Australia. He is the first law officer of this state and he should see that lawyers behave appropriately and do not abuse their office.

Time expired.

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