QLD: Last chance for CJC, say Libs

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-1999
QLD: Last chance for CJC, say Libs

BRISBANE, Aug 4 AAP - Queensland's Criminal Justice Commission had one last chance to
demonstrate political impartiality by launching an immediate inquiry into the "Net bet"

scandal, Liberal leader David Watson said today.

He said Queenslanders were "entitled to be suspicious" about the delay, particularly when
they realised CJC chairman Brendan Butler is a former member of the ALP.

Dr Watson and Opposition leader Rob Borbidge have been urging the CJC to investigate the
circumstances surrounding the granting of the state's first Internet casino licence to a
company linked to three high-profile Labor figures.

One of them, Bill D'Arcy, is a sitting government backbencher.

Treasurer David Hamill on Sunday stood aside from his position after pressure mounted over
his handling of the matter.

Dr Watson said he had written to the CJC in April expressing serious concern over the
corruption watchdog's apparent bias to the ALP.

Mr Borbidge also has raised questions about the CJC's political impartiality, citing
several instances when the organisation had investigated the coalition government when he was
premier.

Dr Watson said: "I privately warned the CJC four months ago that it was digging its own
grave by perpetuating the perception of political bias.

"This is its last chance to demonstrate political impartiality or face the long-term
consequences."

AAP geb/kr

KEYWORD: NET CASINO WATSON (CARRIED EARLIER)

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