NSW: Insufficient evidence for charges over premier staffer exit

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2007
NSW: Insufficient evidence for charges over premier staffer exit

SYDNEY, Aug 3 AAP - NSW Police say there's insufficient evidence to support criminal
proceedings over the exit from the premier's office of a staffer who raised concerns about
domestic violence claims against a Labor MP.

A thorough investigation into allegations raised by Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell
regarding Mark Aarons' departure from Premier Morris Iemma's office was now complete,
the police said today.

Mr O'Farrell wrote to Police Commissioner Ken Moroney in May requesting an investigation
into a possible breach of the Protected Disclosures Act by Mr Iemma in relation to Mr
Aarons' departure.

The Protected Disclosures Act is designed to protect whistleblowers.

Mr Aarons left the premier's office after raising the alarm about domestic violence
claims involving Labor MP Paul Gibson and his ex-girlfriend, former MP Sandra Nori.

The information prompted Mr Iemma to withdraw a frontbench offer to Mr Gibson, but
no charges were ever laid in relation to the claims.

Detectives from Taskforce Bransdon interviewed, among others, Mr Iemma, his chief of
staff Mike Kaiser, and the deputy director general of the Department of Premier and Cabinet,
Alex Smith.

Evidence was provided that Mr Aarons' termination was due to a restructure within the
premier's office that was planned before the 2007 election, police said.

Mr Aarons also told detectives he did not believe his position was changed because
of his disclosures.

"Police briefed the Independent Commission Against Corruption who declined to investigate
the matter," the police statement said.

"Taskforce investigators are satisfied there was no breach of the Protected Disclosures
Act and there is insufficient evidence to commence criminal proceedings."

AAP hn/it/bwl

KEYWORD: AARONS

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