Police Association calls on Lambie to withdraw claims

The President of the Police Association of Tasmania, Shane Tilley, has called on Senator Jacquie Lambie to withdraw comments she made under parliamentary privilege last night about East Coast police officers, or give any evidence to authorities for investigation.

 Mr Tilley claimed that Senator Lambie questioned the integrity and competency of members of Tasmania Police.

 "Parliamentary privilege should not be used recklessly. It’s there to allow parliamentarians to speak freely about difficult matters without the risk of legal consequences, such as defamation suits, and it’s disappointing Senator Lambie has used it vexatiously.” Mr Tilley said.

 Mr TIlley saif that in July 2024, Senator Lambie used Parliamentary privilege to allege East Coast, Tasmania Police officers had been involved in child abuse. 

 “I subsequently wrote to Senator Lambie expressing disappointment  and requesting she either retract the statement publicly or provide evidence for investigation.

 “Senator Lambie did not respond to the letter.” Mr Tilley added.

 "On 19 November 2024, Senator Lambie again used Parliamentary privilege to criticise members of Tasmania Police, claiming incompetence, “a cover-up” in relation to a coronial matter, and harassment by police towards an East Coast family.

  “Again, the Senator provided no evidence or detail to support such outrageous allegations.

 “Last night in the Senate, Senator Lambie again made very serious allegations of incompetence and coverups by local and senior Tasmanian Police, all unfounded.

 “We understand that Senator Lambie is a passionate person, but if she has evidence of wrongdoing, then produce it so it can be investigated.” Mr Tilley said.

 “Our members, from Constables to the Commissioner, work very hard under difficult conditions to keep the community safe. 

 “They do not deserve to be disrespected and the subject to unfounded allegations from people like Senator Lambie who then produce nothing to support their claims", Mr Tilley concluded.

Comment has been sought from Senator Lambie.