Wale welcomes ESP report referral to police

LEADER of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has welcomed reports that police investigation into the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) referrals have commenced.

In a statement today, Hon Wale has commended the Office of the Auditor General’s (OAG) for their diligent work.

He said the responsibility has now passed to the Police Commissioner to give this investigation serious priority.

“People in this country will be watching to ensure that the investigations are not tampered with.

The onus is now on the police commissioner and his team to do the right thing, millions of dollars were involved in that mess,” Hon Wale said.

The Opposition Leader reiterated that ESP investigations must be ring-fenced from political or other influence, and urged the Police Commissioner to seek support from our Australian partners for forensic financial investigators.

He said it is crucial that the police investigations are not corrupted and dragged out unnecessarily.

Hon Wale said that no one is above accountability and urged the Police to resist any pressures that might compromise the integrity of the investigations.

The Opposition Leader said the manner in which the ESP was managed by the government was simply reckless.

“This is an issue that was recklessly handled by the government and the public must keep a close eye on the progress of the investigations,” Hon Wale reiterated.

The Opposition Office understands that some very senior politicians and government officials are implicated in the ESP report findings.

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Opposition statement