Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Government Service Delivery) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Xenophon, for the prior notice of this question. This is a very unfortunate incident and I am sure it is extremely distressing for Matthew Rex, his family and his friends. I know Senator Xenophon has had a great deal of involvement in this and has also met with the minister. On 11 September 2009, as Senator Xenophon noted, Chris Jongewaard was sentenced to two years imprisonment with a nine-month non-parole period. The minister has also received confirmation that, as a result of the findings of the independent disciplinary tribunal, Mr Jongewaard’s membership of Cycling Australia and affiliates has been terminated for a period of six months commencing immediately.

In relation to the specific question, obviously I cannot talk about what assurances Cycling Australia have offered Mr Rex and his family in relation to the tribunal conducted by Cycling Australia into the charge regarding their by-laws. I am advised by the minister that Anthony Nolan SC, the chairperson of the independent disciplinary tribunal, was provided with a copy of the reasons for the verdict as outlined in the legal proceedings by his honour Judge Chivell. This was considered by the tribunal determining if there was a breach of the Cycling Australia by laws.