FORMER Chief Minister Frank Walker has expressed his deep disappointment about how long it has taken for matters surrounding the suspension of police chief Graham Power to be dealt with.He expressed that disappointment this week while totally rejecting allegations made against him by Mr Power in an affidavit – a sworn document – released this week by Deputy Bob Hill.
Mr Walker said that there had been no ‘conspiracy’ among politicians or others. As time had gone by, however, a clear conspiracy theory had emerged which was both unfortunate and completely untrue, he added.
‘I am deeply disappointed that this matter has taken so long to resolve,’ Mr Walker said. ‘It is essential for all concerned that it is now concluded as soon as possible.’
In his affidavit written in January 2009, Mr Power alleged that there had been political interference in the historical child abuse inquiry.
The police chief claimed that he had stepped in to defend former Home Affairs Minister Wendy Kinnard when Chief Minister Frank Walker had spoken to her in a way, he said, ‘which could be seen as bullying’.
That incident was alleged by the police chief to have taken place at a meeting a few days after Senator Kinnard had made a witness statement in relation to the historical child abuse inquiry and it was decided that she was no longer able to continue political oversight of it. Mr Walker totally refuted that claim and said that he had not shouted at Senator Kinnard.
Power suspension: ‘There was no conspiracy’
Article posted on 12th February, 2010 - 2.57pm