Statement on Brian Rowe, Roxanne Scott, Cr Grant Pforr and Lionel Barden

November 30 2006

Statement on Brian Rowe, Roxanne Scott, Cr Grant Pforr and Lionel Barden

Charges will not be laid against Brian Rowe, Roxanne Scott, Grant Pforr or Lionel Barden following the Crime and Misconduct’s Commission’s Inquiry into the 2004 Gold Coast City Council elections.

Making the announcement today, Local Government Minister Andrew Fraser said he had accepted Crown Law Senior Counsel advice against pursuing complaints against each of these individuals connected to the elections.

“Crown Law has now been instructed to send letters to their legal advisers informing them that we will not initiate proceedings against them,” Mr Fraser said.

“Although the CMC found each of these candidates provided information in their electoral returns which was false or misleading, there is no direct evidence to prove they did so knowingly.

“Accordingly, the prospects for a successful prosecution do not warrant the laying of charges.”

Mr Fraser said complaints and summonses are today being filed at Southport Magistrates Court against Gold Coast Deputy Mayor David Power and lawyer Tony Hickey.

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 3227 8825 or 0419 710 874