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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 4 Hansard (18 April) . . Page.. 1123 ..

MR DE DOMENICO (continuing):

Mr Speaker, the Canberra Times allegation of stolen equipment, including cameras and a laptop computer, is blatantly incorrect. All equipment issued in the normal course of duties for the individual was returned, as is normal practice, on his resignation. Records of the equipment issued and returned have been sighted by the ACTEW chief executive officer.

In summary, Mr Speaker, ACTEW's conclusions from these investigations were, firstly, that there was no theft of assets; secondly, that in those instances where ACTEW film was used for private purpose appropriate refunds for ACTEW payments had been made throughout the period by the individual; and, finally, there is no definitive evidence that the individual conducted private business on ACTEW time. Mr Speaker, I am advised that, as a consequence, there is no basis for substantiating allegations of fraud made either in the rumours within ACTEW or in the Canberra Times. Further, at no time has any member of the Australian Federal Police been involved in this process or reported to ACTEW any allegations which should be pursued.

MS FOLLETT (4.59): Mr Speaker, I would just like to make a very brief comment on the points raised by Mr De Domenico. I thank him very much for having clarified the issue. I think it is a matter for regret that many of us in the course of our duties as Assembly members have been asked to mention certain allegations in the Assembly in order that those allegations can attract privilege and can therefore be published with impunity. This is a course of action which I have always refused, and I believe that it is a course of action that all members should refuse.

Question resolved in the affirmative.