Tuckey cleared of travel rort

By John Kerin and Roger Martin

22jan02

The Australian

WEST Australian MP Wilson Tuckey has been cleared of allegations he rorted his frequent flyer points, paving the way for his return to John Howard's ministry.

In his November post-election reshuffle, Mr Howard appointed Mr Tuckey as Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government, but declined to swear him in because of a police investigation into allegations he misused his air charter entitlements.

A statement issued yesterday by Justice Minister Chris Ellison said that following extensive inquiries by the Australian Federal Police and an investigation by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, the "CDPP has advised the AFP that the matter not be further proceeded with".

"There is insufficient evidence to establish the commission of a criminal offence by any party . . . and any further investigation would not bear any further fruit," the statement said.

The air charter scheme, which was also used by West Australian senator Winston Crane, who is still under investigation, was understood to involve the accrual of frequent flyer points for exclusively using a local charter airline. The 30 per cent loyalty bonus was later converted to free flights.

Questions were raised whether the commonwealth was billed correctly and about the scheme's legality.

Under parliamentary travel guidelines, MPs are allowed to use accumulated frequent flyer points to defray the costs of additional official travel but not private travel.

A spokesman for Mr Howard last night welcomed the result, and said Mr Tuckey would be sworn in "as soon as practically possible".

It is expected Mr Tuckey's swearing in will take place before parliament resumes on February 12.

"The statement clears the way for Mr Tuckey to be admitted to the ministry," he said.

At his home in Perth yesterday, Mr Tuckey refused to comment on the two-month investigation.

"I just want to get on with the job," Mr Tuckey said.

"I haven't discussed the pros and the cons of the issue to date and I don't want to start now."

Mr Tuckey said his task was to ensure people in regional areas were being treated fairly in the cost of goods and services, and had assistance from government where that was needed.

Mr Tuckey, a former president of the West Australian Country Shires Association and a local councillor for 16 years before entering politics, said he was no stranger to local government.

While he declined to comment on the Tuckey decision, independent MP Peter Andren said last night that an independent commissioner for entitlements should be set up to look into the whole grey area of parliamentary allowances.

A DPP spokeswoman was unavailable for comment last night.


	Tuckey cleared of travel rort By John Kerin and Roger Martin 22jan02 The Australian WEST Australian MP Wilson Tuckey has been cleared of allegations he rorted his frequent flyer points, paving the way for his return to John Howard's ministry. In his November post-election reshuffle, Mr Howard appointed Mr Tuckey as Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government, but declined to swear him in because of a police investigation into allegations he misused his air charter entitlements. A statement issued yesterday by Justice Minister Chris Ellison said that following extensive inquiries by the Australian Federal Police and an investigation by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, the "CDPP has advised the AFP that the matter not be further proceeded with". "There is insufficient evidence to establish the commission of a criminal offence by any party . . . and any further investigation would not bear any further fruit," the statement said. The air charter scheme, which was also used by West Australian senator Winston Crane, who is still under investigation, was understood to involve the accrual of frequent flyer points for exclusively using a local charter airline. The 30 per cent loyalty bonus was later converted to free flights. Questions were raised whether the commonwealth was billed correctly and about the scheme's legality. Under parliamentary travel guidelines, MPs are allowed to use accumulated frequent flyer points to defray the costs of additional official travel but not private travel. A spokesman for Mr Howard last night welcomed the result, and said Mr Tuckey would be sworn in "as soon as practically possible". It is expected Mr Tuckey's swearing in will take place before parliament resumes on February 12. "The statement clears the way for Mr Tuckey to be admitted to the ministry," he said. At his home in Perth yesterday, Mr Tuckey refused to comment on the two-month investigation. "I just want to get on with the job," Mr Tuckey said. "I haven't discussed the pros and the cons of the issue to date and I don't want to start now." Mr Tuckey said his task was to ensure people in regional areas were being treated fairly in the cost of goods and services, and had assistance from government where that was needed. Mr Tuckey, a former president of the West Australian Country Shires Association and a local councillor for 16 years before entering politics, said he was no stranger to local government. While he declined to comment on the Tuckey decision, independent MP Peter Andren said last night that an independent commissioner for entitlements should be set up to look into the whole grey area of parliamentary allowances. A DPP spokeswoman was unavailable for comment last night.