Prominent lawyer to review WA Police Service Witness Protection Program

8/12/99

Prominent Perth lawyer Len Roberts-Smith QC will review the Western Australian Police Service Witness Protection Program.
Police Minister Kevin Prince said today the appointment of Mr Roberts-Smith followed consultation with and bi-partisan support from the State Opposition.
"Mr Roberts-Smith is a highly competent and highly regarded legal practitioner who will undertake a thorough examination of all aspects of the witness protection program," Mr Prince said.
The State Government last month announced its intention to review the witness protection program following recent, intensive media publicity surrounding the death of a protected witness, Andrew Petrelis, in 1995.
He was due to give evidence at a recent trial in the District Court in Perth, in which the accused persons faced cannabis charges.
Mr Prince said the State Government wanted a full and proper investigation into all aspects of Mr Petrelis' death, including the witness protection program.
Mr Prince said the review would examine:
• the scope and suitability of the Witness Protection Unit;
• the adequacy of legislative authority and allocation of human and financial resources;
• staff assessment and associated risk management;
• application of standard operating procedures and practices since 1994;
• existing legislation and co-ordination agreements with other agencies;
• national co-ordination of witness protection across Australasian jurisdictions;
• management of the protected witness Petrelis by the Witness Protection Unit; and -
• any other outstanding matters related to the above.

Mr Roberts-Smith is expected to undertake the review in the near future. He will report back to the Police Minister and the Commissioner of Police within four months.
Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9220 5000