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Now to the story...

ATSIC deputy refuses DNA test

Extract from Australian Broadcasting Corporation - ABC Online, on14 Jan 2003

ATSIC deputy chairman Ray Robinson has accused police of trying to
embarrass him by asking for a DNA sample.

Mr Robinson has been charged with two counts of fraud involving cheques
from an Aboriginal housing company in Brisbane.

As part of the investigation, police have requested a DNA sample.

The deadline for Mr Robinson to give the sample passed yesterday.

He says he is not guilty and will stand his ground and refuse.

"This is an act of embarrassment, this is an act to embarrass me, this is
an act that's to tell the public out there that this fella has got
something to hide," he said.

"If they want to arrest me and forcibly take it, I invite them to do it."

Mr Robinson says he is not guilty and will not give a DNA sample.

"If I was to take this draconian legislation and this test, for no reason
at all straight away and bow down to it, then I'd be letting my people
down," he said.

"I wouldn't only be letting my people down I'd be letting the community of
Queensland down, because this is a civil liberties issue, this is a human
rights issue."

Mr Robinson's solicitor, Terry O'Gorman, says he is concerned about why
police need a DNA sample for a fraud investiation.

"We have asked the relevant detective superintendent for reasons because
the particular sections say he must not issue a DNA sample notice unless
those three things, the public interest, the rights and interests of Mr
Robinson and the particular circumstances of the case are all addressed,"
Mr O'Gorman said.

Queensland's Police Minister, Tony McGrady, says while DNA technology is a
useful policing tool, he is prepared to consider changes to the practice
if there is evidence it is being wrongly used.


 

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