Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The only political interference I have seen in this matter in the last few months is the suggestion that improper influence has been used in relation to the New South Wales minster for police. That is the only allegation that I have seen that relates to political interference in these matters. This government has allowed proper process to occur and has allowed the appro­priate authorities to pursue those proper processes without political interference. We have not been ringing up our mates saying: 'Can you have a chat to the police com­missioner? Can you do me a favour and have a chat to him.' We have not been operating like that. We have said people are allowed the presumption of innocence and the appropriate authorities ought to be allowed to do their jobs without that interfer­ence. There will be no mates arrangements in relation to authorities from this government. What we seem to see in New South Wales is that sort of arrangement and I think it is most inappropriate.