Opposition must publicly apologise to Sir Laurence Street

The State Opposition’s failure to issue an unqualified public apology to former NSW Chief Justice Sir Laurence Street for its “shameful” attack on him undermined public confidence in the legal and justice system, Attorney-General Kerry Shine said today.

Mr Shine said following the outcome of the trial of Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley, Opposition leader Jeff Seeney attacked Sir Laurence, who provided an independent legal opinion relating to the death of Mulrunji on Palm Island in November 2004.

“Mr Seeney told a press conference that Sir Laurence was ‘a gun for hire’ and that he ‘produced the opinion that he was paid to produce’. These comments are outrageous and defamatory,” Mr Shine said.

The Queensland Law Society has strongly objected to Mr Seeney’s public attack of Sir Laurence, describing them as “the most shameful and appalling attack on one of Australia’s most distinguished and respected jurists”.

The Law Society has asked Mr Seeney to apologise for the comments.

“Both Mr Seeney and Shadow justice spokesman Mark McArdle have to date refused to publicly apologise for the attack on Sir Laurence,” Mr Shine said.

“An apology is now overdue. I urge Mr Seeney and Mr McArdle to make the apology, and do so publicly.”

“Mr McArdle has reportedly written to Sir Laurence, but he needs to ensure there is a public apology. It was a public attack, and a public apology is warranted.”

“I believe the Opposition leader’s comments, if not withdrawn and a public apology issued, that confidence in our justice system and in practitioners will be diminished.”

18 July 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350