FED:Interference claim 'defamatory': coalition

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-2011
FED:Interference claim 'defamatory': coalition

Liberal frontbencher CHRISTOPHER PYNE has rejected suggestions the coalition interfered
in the police investigation into Labor MP CRAIG THOMSON, saying they're defamatory.

Opposition justice spokesman GEORGE BRANDIS phoned the New South Wales police minister
four days before the police began an investigation into misuse of Mr THOMSON'S union credit
card.

The government suspects political interference in the case, with Labor minister TANYA
PLIBERSEK labelling the phone call completely improper.

But Mr PYNE told the ABC last night the allegations are a smokescreen, given the police
inquiry had yet to start when the call was made.

AAP RTV cj/wz/psm/

KEYWORD: THOMSON PYNE (CANBERRA)

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