Plan to protect lying MPs

Leftist ethics on display in Queensland

Ministers will be free to lie to parliamentary committees without fear of criminal sanctions under changes proposed by the Beattie Government. The Opposition blasted the proposals yesterday, saying they would create one set of rules for politicians and another for public servants and members of the public called to give evidence to parliamentary inquiries. The changes have been prompted by the controversy surrounding former health minister Gordon Nuttall, who was found by a police and CMC investigation to have lied to a Budget Estimates hearing last year.

Such an action is punishable by imprisonment under the criminal code, but Mr Nuttall's government colleagues used their numbers in Parliament to impose a political sanction against him rather than a criminal one. He resigned as a minister and apologised for his actions.

Acting Premier Anna Bligh has now indicated the Government will move to protect MPs from prosecution for lying to committees, after CMC chair Robert Needham raised concerns about inconsistencies in the existing laws. "As a result of that I have requested the Attorney-General prepare advice and legislative options for Cabinet's consideration," she said.

Nationals MP Stuart Copeland, whose questioning of Mr Nuttall prompted the accusations the then minister had lied and the subsequent investigation, accused the Government of actively destroying a parliamentary accountability mechanism.

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