The ACT’s prime prosecutor has welcomed an impartial inquiry into how ex-Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations had been dealt with by his workplace, native police and a help service for victims.
Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold acknowledged the independence of his workplace and ACT Policing, saying the mixed relationship “stays robust and collegial”.
“The joint help for this inquiry speaks to this power and collegiality,” he mentioned in a press release on Thursday.
ACT Legal professional-Normal Shane Rattenbury on Wednesday introduced the territory authorities would launch an inquiry after the DPP and police forces made “severe allegations” about one another’s conduct in the course of the high-profile case.
Ms Higgins’ former colleague Bruce Lehrmann was tried within the ACT Supreme Court docket in October earlier than it was derailed attributable to juror misconduct.
The prosecution later dropped the costs in opposition to Mr Lehrmann due to considerations concerning the affect a second trial would have on Ms Higgins’ psychological well being.
Mr Lehrmann had persistently denied the allegation and no findings had been made in opposition to him. He has engaged attorneys for potential defamation motion over statements, broadcasts and social media posts about him.
After the costs had been dropped, it emerged Mr Drumgold had raised considerations about “political and police conduct” within the case.
However the police union hit again on the allegations and accused Mr Drumgold’s workplace of compromising Mr Lehrmann’s trial.
Mr Rattenbury mentioned the territory authorities needed to make sure prison issues had been prosecuted in a manner that was sturdy, truthful and revered the rights of these concerned.
The federal government additionally needed to verify prison justice entities within the ACT labored collectively successfully.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for ACT Policing mentioned it appeared ahead to participating with the inquiry within the coming months.
In a press release, Mr Lehrmann’s protection lawyer Steven Whybrow mentioned the phrases of reference for the inquiry ought to lengthen to the efforts taken by the DPP to make sure a good trial.
The complete phrases of reference outlining the inquiry’s scope, in addition to the appointment of a authorized skilled to supervise the matter, can be introduced subsequent 12 months.
The inquiry is anticipated to look at interactions between prosecutors and ACT Police relating to the costs in opposition to Mr Lehrmann in addition to the selections to go forward with a primary trial after which not proceed with a retrial.
It should maintain private and non-private hearings and supply a report back to Chief Minister Andrew Barr by June 30.
– AAP
