Rex Patrick (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Attorney-General, and relates to whistleblowers. The Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth provides a two-stage test that must be satisfied before a prosecution is commenced. There must be sufficient evidence to prosecute the case and it must be evident from the facts of the case and all of the surrounding circumstances that the prosecution would be in the public interest. When asked about the impact of the prosecution of Bernard Collaery and witness K on the relationship between Australia and East Timor at estimates, the acting CDPP said that it would be, 'a step beyond the scope of the matters that we normally consider'.

So it's clear that hasn't been considered properly. Attorney-General, can you please provide this chamber with an explanation as to why it is in the public interest to prosecute Bernard Collaery and witness K for calling out unlawful activity?