CHIEF JUSTICE OF WA SUPPORT CRIME CORRUPTION COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARINGS

Chief Justice says public CCC hearings important

Updated February 22, 2012 19:42:48

PHOTO: Wayne Martin says although public CCC hearings could damage a person's reputation, they were nonetheless necessary. (ABC)

MAP: Perth 6000

Western Australia's Chief Justice Wayne Martin has told the Joint Standing Committee on the Corruption and Crime Commission that public hearings are important.

The committee is investigating the use of public examinations by the CCC.

Wayne Martin QC told the committee the Commission's predecessor, the Anti-Corruption Commission, worked in private which promoted public suspicion.

Justice Martin said the CCC needs the respect and support of the public it served and that open hearings often encourage other people to come forward with information.

He conceded open hearings could damage a person's reputation and privacy but that is the price to pay for transparency.

He suggested techniques and processes could be changed to reduce the risk of reputation damage.

Former lobbyist Julian Grill is also giving evidence to the committee.

Mr Grill says an inquiry he was involved in damaged his reputation and that of several politicians.

He wants the way they are conducted to be changed.

"I don't argue against public hearings, you've probably seen my submission," Mr Grill said.

"Clearly I believe public hearings should continue.

"But the circumstances in which public hearings are held should be looked at very, very closely indeed and I think in that sense I'm not that very far away from the Chief Justice.

Topics: corruption, perth-6000

First posted February 22, 2012 15:34:48