Page 1173 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 April 1994
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be present and how many times not. So the information would not be easily retrievable; it would require that a search of all records of interview be conducted. But there is an absolute right to have a lawyer or a next friend present if a person being interviewed by police chooses, except in certain very limited specified circumstances. Understandably, the police officer who finds a person with a smoking gun and body is entitled to ask some questions. Basically, there is a statutory right to have a lawyer or a person present, but statistics are not kept as to how often that right is taken up.
MR MOORE: I ask a supplementary question, Madam Speaker. Surely, Minister, the police would be able to give you an indication of whether this happens often or regularly or hardly ever. Can you inform us at least in a conceptual way?
MR CONNOLLY: It is certainly not uncommon for people to say, "I would like to have my lawyer present". It is not infrequent, and members of the legal profession would tell you that it is not uncommon to receive a telephone call to come into the watchhouse and take part in such an interview.
ACTTAB - Contract with VITAB Ltd
MR KAINE: Now that Mr Lamont has had time to cool down a bit, I would like to ask him a question as Minister for Sport. It is a simple question. It does not need a tirade; it needs only a simple yes or no. Mr Lamont, can you confirm whether you or ACTTAB have received a letter of demand from VITAB Ltd?
MR LAMONT: A simple answer to a reasonable question put in a reasonable fashion: No, I cannot confirm that such a letter has been received.
Cigarette Lighters
MS ELLIS: Madam Speaker, my question is directed to the Attorney-General in his capacity as Minister for consumer affairs. Is the Minister aware of a product safety recall issued by a cigarette manufacturer for cigarette lighters in the ACT?
MR CONNOLLY: Yes, Madam Speaker, I am aware of that, and I thank the member for the question. I understand that the Valley View actually raised this issue with Ms Ellis. They became aware that one of the cigarette companies trying to peddle its product some time ago ran a promotional campaign which gave you a brass cigarette lighter with a particular brand of cigarettes. That cigarette lighter proved to be dodgy. Indeed, it was quite dangerous. As a result of that, a product safety recall was put out to call that product back.
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