Greens call for debate on suspension of MPs’ pending criminal investigation

Media Release, 22 November 2007

Greens MLC Giz Watson has suggested that Parliament should consider suspending Upper House MPs Anthony Fels and Shelley Archer until possible criminal charges against them are investigated and resolved.

The Report of a Select Committee on Privilege, which found that the two MPs gave false evidence and recommended that criminal charges be investigated, is to be debated in the Legislative Council next Tuesday.

"I hope that the Government, Opposition and National Party will give our proposal serious consideration", Ms Watson said.

"A suspension would recognise the seriousness of the findings by the Select Committee, while at the same time meeting the Opposition's concerns that expulsion would pre-empt possible criminal proceedings."

Ms Watson noted that if the MPs were convicted of the offence of giving false evidence to a parliamentary committee they would be automatically disqualified from office under existing laws.

A more detailed statement on the Greens position is attached.