NSW: Speaker defends backing of Tripodi

AAP General News (Australia)
02-19-2001
NSW: Speaker defends backing of Tripodi

New South Wales parliamentary speaker JOHN MURRAY has defended his public backing of
Labor MP JOE TRIPODI who is facing allegations of intimidation from a senior public servant.

Mr MURRAY has sought legal representation for the Fairfield MP who has been accused
of making threats against Public Accounts Committee manager, YAEL LARKIN.

Mrs LARKIN, who has resigned from the committee, has applied for an apprehended violence
order against Mr TRIPODI.

Both the AVO and the resignation letter have been referred to the Independent Commission
Commission Against Corruption for investigation.

The state opposition claims Mr MURRAY backing of Mr TRIPODI is an attempt to prejudice the case.

However, Mr MURRAY says his actions are consistent with cases involving members of
all political persuasions.

The application for an interim order is to be heard in Waverley Court on March 9.

Mrs LARKIN is the wife of entrepreneur and retired veterinarian Dr STEPHEN LARKIN,
who last week was given approval for a gaming hotel in Carramar.

Mr TRIPODI has been an outspoken critic of the venue for a number of years but has
denied any accusations of wrong-doing.

AAP RTV ls/rp/jx

KEYWORD: TRIPODI SPEAKER (SYDNEY)

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.