Sir Laurence Street to provide second opinion on Palm Island matter

Former New South Wales Chief Justice and Lieutenant-Governor The Honourable Sir Laurence Street, AC KCMG, QC will provide the second opinion on the Palm Island matter, Acting Premier Anna Bligh announced today.

Attorney-General Kerry Shine and the Acting Crown Solicitor had confirmed with Sir Laurence today his availability to provide the second opinion into the matter relating to the death of Mulrunji on Palm Island in November 2004.

“Sir Laurence has extensive judicial experience. He is a very well-respected legal figure both in Australia and overseas,” Ms Bligh said.

“As the Chief Justice of New South Wales for 14 years, Sir Laurence presided over numerous complex civil and criminal matters coming before the court.

“Sir Laurence will bring a rigorous and truly independent approach to the Palm Island matter.”

Mr Shine said since his retirement from the court in NSW, Sir Laurence has dedicated his efforts to promote greater access to justice through the development of alternative dispute resolution services in Australia and internationally.

“Sir Laurence has been active in championing the continual improvement of the Australian legal system and overseas.”

Sir Laurence’s many roles include:

· International Law Association life vice-president, after serving as World President (1990-92);

· chairman of the Australian Government’s International Legal Services Council;

· a mediator of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Lausanne); and

· president of the Judiciary Appeals Committee and Chairman of the Drug Tribunal, National Rugby League.

He is also a life member of the NSW Bar Association, as well as chair of the Royal Humane Society of NSW and a patron of the Pedestrian Council of Australia.

Mr Shine said Sir Laurence would be assisted by Brisbane criminal lawyer Peter Davis SC in assessing the material provided to him by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He said Crown Law would also commission junior counsel to start assessing the material provided by the DPP.

Mr Shine said the Government hoped the second opinion could be provided next month. However, the timing would be up to those performing the task.

4 January 2007

Media contacts:

Deputy Premier’s office Steve Keating 3224 4379

Attorney-General’s office Kirby Anderson 3239 6400