Court Of Criminal Appeal And Montekiai Taufahema
The Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party has
questioned the NSW Government over the decision of the NSW Court of Criminal
Appeal to overturn the murder conviction of Montekiai Taufahema for his role in
the brutal murder of police Constable Glenn McEnally.
Reverend the Hon. FRED NILE: I ask the Minister for Commerce,
representing the Attorney General, a question without notice. Has the Court of
Criminal Appeal discharged the sentence of Montekiai Taufahema, the convicted
murderer of police officer Constable Glenn McEnallay? Has the Court of Criminal
Appeal made that decision because of its interpretation of the "joint criminal
enterprise" requirement in the New South Wales criminal law? Will the Government
introduce legislation to clarify the legal charge of "joint criminal enterprise"
to ensure it works efficiently to uphold convictions in the future? Will
Montekiai Taufahema remain in gaol for the conviction of possession of an
unlicensed firearm? If so, for how long?
The Hon. JOHN DELLA BOSCA: Clearly that question is directed to me as the
Leader of the Government. The Attorney General would be the appropriate person
to form a view about this matter and advise him of that opinion. At this stage I
am not in a position to announce any change of Government approach in relation
to those matters. I am sure the Attorney General will give careful consideration
to the honourable member's question and I will provide him with the Attorney
General's answer as soon as practicable.