Qld: Minister denies interference claims
By Paul Osborne
BRISBANE, Aug 8 AAP - Queensland Police Minister Tony McGrady today rejected allegationshe interfered in a police raid.
Aboriginal activist Murrandoo Yanner was one of seven people charged after police raided10 residences in remote north-west Queensland.
A total of 18 charges were laid against seven people after searches at Doomadgee andBurketown in the Gulf of Carpentaria early Tuesday.
Mr Yanner said yesterday he believed the charges were politically motivated and a wasteof police resources.
Mr McGrady told state parliament today he "categorically rejected" the claims.
"I confirm to the House today that I was not even made aware of the matter until afterthe raids had taken place," Mr McGrady said.
"The unfounded allegation that I somehow engaged in unethical behaviour by interferingin this operational matter is not only insulting and slanderous it is totally ludicrous.
"It is also an insult to the police involved."
Mr McGrady said he would not entertain Mr Yanner's "conspiracy theories".
"He will have his day in court to have this matter heard," Mr McGrady said.
"In the meantime I will also be seeking legal advice in relation to the comments whichhave been attributed to Mr Yanner today."
Mr Yanner said yesterday he had been charged with unauthorised meat processing, possessingexplosives and possessing unsecured weapons.
He said the meat was a piece of bush meat from his property that was sitting in hisfreezer and the explosives were three tiny leftover firecrackers.
He said he kept a shotgun and a pistol for hunting and self-defence.
AAP pjo/sc/mg/br
KEYWORD: EXPLOSIVES MCGRADY
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