Qld: Beattie does backflip on Speaker guidelines

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2005
Qld: Beattie does backflip on Speaker guidelines

Queensland Premier PETER BEATTIE has done a backflip on the drafting of new guidelines
for the Speaker of Parliament, allowing the opposition to have a say.

The Crime and Misconduct Commission is currently investigating travel and entertainment
expenses incurred by Speaker RAY HOLLIS.

The probe has sparked a review of guidelines governing the Speaker's office.

Mr BEATTIE had previously denied the opposition any opportunity to be involved in the
drafting of new guidelines.

However, in a letter to opposition leader LAWRENCE SPRINGBORG tabled in parliament
today, Mr BEATTIE's asked for the opposition's input.

A spokesman for Mr SPRINGBORG says the premier only changed his position because the
opposition had requested a copy from the Commission.

AAP RTV jln/sc/low/rt

KEYWORD: HOLLIS (BRISBANE)

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