Media Mike Rann is ducking for cover at a time he needs to answer questions about the behaviour of one of his senior advisers in relation to the Premier’s appearance at the Ashbourne trial, Shadow Treasurer Rob Lucas said today.
“We now know that the DPP Mr Pallaras has stated that this issue is of ‘considerable concern’ to the office of the DPP and that he has sent a report to the Rann Government on this issue.
“Mike Rann is always available to the media when good news is to be announced, but goes into hiding when the heat is on.
“This complaint from the DPP refers to Mr Rann’s senior legal adviser and only Mr Rann can answer the serious questions that potentially strike at the entire credibility and integrity of the Rann government.
“The seriousness of this issue cannot be under-estimated. Put simply in the middle of the State’s first political corruption trial (involving, Mike Rann’s former senior political adviser) the DPP is so concerned about the behaviour of Mr Rann’s senior legal adviser he seeks an urgent meeting with the Attorney General to try to resolve the issue.”
Mike Rann has to come out of hiding today to answer the following questions:
• Why did he keep this issue secret until it was revealed by the Liberal Party yesterday?
• What was his senior legal adviser trying to convince the office of the DPP to do in relation to the Ashbourne trial?
• What specific concerns were expressed by the DPP about the actions of Mr Rann’s senior legal adviser and, in particular, whether any concern was expressed about attempted interference in the DPP’s handling of this case?
• What action has the Premier taken in relation to Mr Alexandrides as a result of the concerns expressed by the DPP?
• Was Mr Rann aware of Mr Alexandrides’ discussions with the DPP or is he again claiming that he didn’t know what his legal adviser was doing (the oft-used ‘rogue agent acting alone’ defence)?
• Will Mr Rann approve the public release of the report by the DPP sent to the Rann Government on the issue?
• Will Mr Rann approve the public release of all memos, minutes, correspondence and file notes taken by Ministerial advisers on this issue, as occurred in the last public dispute between the DPP and the Treasurer?
“This issue will now have to be investigated in the forthcoming Rann Government Ashbourne Inquiry, and is further evidence of why the inquiry must be public,” Mr Lucas said.
Footnote to Media: Mike Rann should be available to be door-stopped today at either 12.30pm or 2pm, at the Hyatt Regency Adelaide, where he will be attending a luncheon.