The dismissal without penalty of drink driving charges against Peta Credlin after a letter from incoming Attorney-General George Brandis show again that the Liberal Party consider themselves above the law, says Steve Penrose.
I HAVE LONG SAID the Liberal Party/LNP were above the law.
Whether it was Mr Abbott’s unlawful acts committed in the “Australians for Honest Politics Trust" stitch up of Hanson and Ettridge; Justice Cole not even asking Mr Truss to appear in the AWB "Wheat for Oil" Inquiry, despite witnesses saying he knew about it; the AFP declining to investigate the Mal Brough Ashbygate conspiracy; or the Queensland Police with the “maintain sexual relationship with a minor” charge, to wit, a 15 year old boy, by Ashby; or the “Can we throw together an official event” for Police Minister Jack Dempsey, so he could watch his son at a football carnival on the public purse, to name just a few.
But yesterday’s (10/9/2013) judgement by Magistrate Maria Doogan in a Canberra court is even more outrageous. Tony Abbott’s Chief of Staff, Peta Credlin, who pleaded guilty to drink driving, got off scot free — no suspension, no fine, no conviction.
What happened was, a letter was produced from new Attorney General George Brandis, which seems to have had the same effect as a “Get out of jail free” card in the game of monopoly. Obviously, the Magistrate was intimidated by the letter from the senior legal officer in the land.
This was not a low level offence — Credlin blew 0.075.
I would suggest that tens of thousands have blown less and not been given such preferential treatment, including losing their jobs. This woman is now a senior public servant, she should be sacked. Attorney General, Senator George Brandis, has abused his office, he should be sacked. Magistrate Maria Doogan has allowed political interference in a case, it does not matter whether this was because she may have been intimidated, she should be sacked.
Tellingly, the Liberal Party's attitude towards justice was revealed when Credlin strode happily from the court and was interviewed outside by journalists:
"Justice doesn't have to be done," she said, "it has to be seen to be done."
That's right, for our returning overlords, justice is not important, so long as there is the vague appearance of justice.
Welcome to the new regime.
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