The Australian Media willing to assist in the cover up of the Heiner Affair.
The Australian
Letters to the Editor 9th May 2008.
The Australian edited Mr Lindeberg's letter omitting important information relevant to the facts omitted in the Australian's article Haneef witnesses risk civil lawsuits 1st May 2008. Spot the difference in the published letter and the original Lindeberg letter.
YOUR story ``Haneef witnesses risk civil lawsuits’’ (1/5) misrepresented and omitted relevant facts in connecting the current Haneef inquiry, under John Clarke QC, and the Heiner inquiry regarding the issue of potential defamation action ensuing against witnesses allegedly because of the legal manner in establishing both inquiries.
While defamation was a concern, the then Goss government was nevertheless advised by Crown Law on January 23, 1990 that there was no legal impediment to the continuation of the Heiner inquiry because the Crown-employee witnesses were covered by qualified privilege _ on the one proviso that they did not lie to Noel Heiner.
Further, on Crown Law advice, on February 12, 1990, the government indemnified everyone involved, including Heiner. In regard to the witnesses, the Queensland government was honouring a long-standing government policy that public servants were protected by the Crown from the costs of lawsuits which flowed out of the diligent performance of their public duties.
The shredding of the Heiner documents, insofar as it may have got to defamation action, was therefore an act which solely concerned prospective suits against the Crown itself or inquiry witnesses who may have lied in their statements and/or other evidence because others enjoyed appropriate protection.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sir,
Re: "Haneef witnesses risk civil lawsuits" 1 May 2008. The Australian unfortunately misrepresented and omitted relevant facts in connecting the current Haneef Inquiry, under Commissioner Clarke QC, and the Heiner Inquiry regarding the issue of potential defamation action ensuing against witnesses allegedly because of the legal manner in establishing both inquiries.
While defamation was a concern, the Goss Queensland Government was nevertheless advised by Crown Law on 23 January 1990 that there was no legal impediment to the continuation of the Heiner Inquiry because the Crown-employee witnesses were covered by qualified privilege - on one proviso that they did not lie to Mr. Heiner.
Further, on Crown Law advice, on 12 February 1990, the Queensland Government indemnified everyone involved, including Mr. Heiner. In regard to the witnesses, the Queensland Government was honouring a long-standing government policy that public servants were protected by the Crown from the costs of lawsuits which flowed out of the diligent performance of their public duties.
The shredding of the Heiner documents, insofar as it may have got to defamation action, was therefore an act which solely concerned prospective suits against the Crown itself or inquiry witnesses who may have lied in their statements and/or other evidence because others enjoyed appropriate protection.
Like the Haneef Inquiry, the Heiner Inquiry was properly established at law. Despite this clear advice, the Queensland Government closed the inquiry and then secretly destroyed the Heiner Inquiry documents on 23 March 1990 to prevent their known requirement as evidence in a foreshadowed judicial proceeding as had been served by solicitors' notice on the Queensland Government on 8, 14 and 15 February 1990.
Section 129 of the Criminal Code (Qld) proscribes the destruction of any document or thing to knowingly prevent its use as evidence in a judicial proceeding, pending or a realistic possibility.
Those guilty by ignoring the issue.
The Courier Mail
Clinton Porteous (National Political Correspondent)
Dennis Atkins (Perspectives editor) mate of Kevin Rudd. Their relationship dates back to the foxtail palm affair.
David Fagan ( Editor)
Marg Wenham (State Parliament Reporter)
Radio 4 BC
Greg Cary:
In 2008, Greg Cary Hosts the new Local Morning Show on 1116 4BC. Greg Cary previously presented 4BC’s Afternoon program and comes from a family steeped in broadcasting history.
Greg Cary is one of Brisbane’s most respected broadcaster’s who thrives on confronting issues and holding the people behind them to account. Unless it has anything to do with the Heiner Affair. Correspondence on this matter is totally ignored.
John Miller (Drive time announcer)
In 1975 he became the News Editor at 4BK and in 1982 the News Director at 2UE in Sydney. He has also worked for the 7 Network as Executive Producer of current affairs in Brisbane and Sydney, John has been part of the 4BC team for over 12 years and managed to avoid coverage of Heiner in that time. It's time to give it away John as the job of informing the people requires some ticker. Miller's greatest t concern lately is maintaining his Government sponsored tickets to events like the Broncos home games. Cash for comment is alive and well in Brisbane!!!
ABC Radio
Madonna King
Steve Austin
ABC TV
Kerry O'Brien (Presenter 7.30 report) former Labor Party campaigner and current ALP hack
Tony Jones (Presenter Lateline) Current ALP hack