Opposition comments on Steel case politically motivated

22/3/93

Attorney General Cheryl Edwardes has expressed disgust at attempts by the Opposition to make political mileage out of the Donna Steel case.

Mrs Edwardes was commenting on statements by Opposition MP David Smith, which attempted to cast doubt on her decision not to re-open the case.

"Mr Smith's call for an independent review of recent statements by Donna Steel is simply an attempt to gain publicity out of an issue that has been extremely distressing for all those involved," Mrs Edwardes said.

"In making a decision not to re-open the case, I gave exhaustive consideration to the petitions presented to me and to a psychiatric report provided to me by the psychiatrist for Ms Steel.

"For Mr Smith to also question the independence of the Director of Public Prosecutions is very disappointing.

"Mr Smith has also attempted to muddy the waters by trying to cast doubt on previous evidence given by Donna Steel during a trial in 1990.

"He has seemingly forgotten that this evidence was only a small part of the case considered by the jury in reaching its verdict."

Mrs Edwardes said Mr Smith was wide of the mark and his attempts to provoke debate on the issue were arrogant and insensitive.

Media contact: Cheryl Edwardes  485 7174 (pager), Casey Cahill  222 9595 : 481 1331