MP clear for frontbench

By RICK WALLACE

22jan02

Herald Sun

MINISTERIAL firebrand Wilson Tuckey is clear to take his place on John Howard's front bench after a travel rorts probe was dropped yesterday.

Mr Tuckey's post-election swearing-in was postponed amid an Australian Federal Police investigation into allegations he misused his air travel entitlements.

But the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions said there was insufficient evidence of a criminal offence.

Mr Tuckey is now expected to become Regional Services Minister.

The investigation related to charter flights Mr Tuckey took within his home state of Western Australia in the 1990s.

Fellow WA Liberal Winston Crane remains under investigation in a related inquiry.

It is believed a decision will be made on Senator Crane soon.