Pyne a ‘political pawn’

MP’s dirt sheet on ‘Ipswich Inc’ sparks furious denial

A WOMAN accused in Parliament of leaking confidential police information to former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale has hit back, denying the claims and accusing the MP who made the claims of being a political pawn.

Cate Carter, who works in police communication headquarters in Ipswich, has sent a “citizens reply” to Parliamentary Speaker Peter Wellington a week after Cairns MP Rob Pyne tabled his “Ipswich Inc” dirt sheet in Parliament.

She took aim at the “abuse” of Parliamentary privilege, which allowed Mr Pyne to make the claims without fear of being sued for defamation.

It comes as Mr Pyne and other residents held a press conference outside Parliament House yesterday to renew calls for an Independent Commission Against Corruption.

The document tabled by Mr Pyne alleged Mr Pisasale used his friendship with Ms Carter to gain inside police information, part of which was used in a battle against former police minister Jo-Ann Miller over relocation of the Yamanto police communications centre.

In a four-page reply, Ms Carter slammed Mr Pyne and called for an apology. She claimed allegations made about her were false, made without evidence and were sourceless and malicious.

Mr Pyne hit back at allegations that he was targeting local governments for his own benefit. “Far from this being to my political advantage, some would say I’m politically a dead man walking because of my actions here but it’s not about me,” he said.

“It’s about the many people throughout Queensland who have been disadvantaged because of the corruption we have in this state.

When asked whether the arrest of Mr Pisasale earlier this week was vindication, Mr Pyne replied “I do feel vindicated”. “But the more important question is ... to what extent these behaviours in local government are systemic.”