Qld: CMC to investigate MP's Volkers phone call
BRISBANE, April 30 AAP - The Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) willinvestigate fresh claims of political interference over the dropping of sex charges againstnational women's swimming coach Scott Volkers.
Queensland Industrial Relations Minister Gordon Nuttall admitted yesterday he telephonedMr Volkers a day after he was charged last year with indecent dealing.
The revelation came after an Opposition question in state parliament which allegedpolice had been ordered to ignore telephone records.
Mr Nuttall told reporters he had called Mr Volkers after he read a newspaper reportabout charges related to alleged indecent dealing against three girls in the 1980s whenhe was a junior swimming coach.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) dropped the charges last September afterMr Volkers' defence team produced new evidence.
Last month the CMC found mistakes in the DPP's processes.
Mr Nuttall said he had made the call in his capacity as the local MP in the north Brisbanearea where Mr Volkers lives and patron of the local swimming club.
The minister said the initial call was taken by a member of Mr Volkers' family andthe swimming coach had later returned his call.
"I simply indicated to him, 'Look, Scott. I've read what has been in the paper. Thiswould be a difficult time for you and your family. You need to understand that the processesare probably lengthy and it would be a difficult time for all of you and our thoughtsare with you at this time'," Mr Nuttall said.
In a statement the CMC said it was "seeking all relevant information" to assess thesignificance of the contact between Mr Nuttall and Mr Volkers.
The commission will also investigate police dealings surrounding the telephone records.
AAP ch/mg/brb
KEYWORD: VOLKERS DAYLEAD
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