FED: 2020 participant should stand aside: Greens

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2008
FED: 2020 participant should stand aside: Greens

EDS: Takes in story key KONS



CANBERRA, April 12 AAP - The Australian Greens have called on Linda Hornsey to step
down from her role in the 2020 summit after allegations she may have helped thwart the
appointment of a Tasmanian magistrate.

The Greens allege Ms Hornsey, as Tasmanian Premier John Lennon's department chief,
may have interfered to block Simon Cooper's appointment as a magistrate last year because
he criticised timber company Gunns Ltd.

The accusations come after a shredded document that recommended the appointment of
Mr Cooper - the former Resource Planning and Development Commissioner - became public
last week.

The letter was initially found in a rubbish bin outside former deputy premier Steve
Kons' office last year.

Mr Kons resigned after the letter showed he misled parliament when he previously denied
he had recommended the appointment.

Greens leader Bob Brown said the matter was serious and it was not appropriate for
Ms Hornsey to preside as secretariat of the 2020 process while the matter was being investigated.

"I think that she should stand aside so the obvious goodwill and good process that's
required for 2020 to succeed is completely separated from these events occurring in Tasmania,"

Senator Brown said.

AAP sld/jec/cdh

KEYWORD: HORNSEY (TAKES IN KONS)

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