STATEMENT BY THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL LINDA LAVARCH

Attorney-General Linda Lavarch said today the Director of Public Prosecutions had informed her that a DPP document outlining a proposal from Jayant Patel’s lawyers should not be released, in full or part.

The DPP said it could jeopardise progress of the case.

Mrs Lavarch also said she stood by her statements to Parliament on the issue.

She said she strongly stood by her decision to reject proposals for Jayant Patel to return to Queensland on conditions including that he be free to return to the USA at various points of the process.

This decision was supported by the Solicitor-General.

It also has been supported by legal commentators.

Victims would have been outraged if Patel had been given special treatment by the legal system.

Mrs Lavarch said the Opposition should say whether they supported Patel if he returned to Queensland being allowed to leave Australia at various points in the legal process.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Attorney-General’s office, on 0407 131 654.