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Ben on Ashby found not guilty of perjury Do you know why the Victorian Government hate the Mafia?......They hate Competition :) It was the computers fault !!! more
Scott on Ashby found not guilty of perjury Hopefully now he'll be reinstated to his old job and made the new Police Commissioner so we can get rid of the current bloke ... more
Scott on Ted Baillieu enters the racial debate Hey Col. Perhaps you should try to learn correct grammar before you post your poor attempt of a smart comment. No doubt a ... more
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Luke on Gerard Healy and co. have a win I agree, as a cyclist I am obviously happy that we will be able to have a clear and safe run, but I would hate to see it ... more
nicola on Ashby found not guilty of perjury Richard, the Crown did not put any evidence forward therefore Ashby is innocent. You cannot have the OPI's unlawful conduct ... more
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Katie JOHNSTON on BLOG: Eastlink speed camera I also received a fine yesterday in the mail after an alledged speeding fine on Eastlink, Rowville, Northbound, Wellington ... more
jon on Ashby found not guilty of perjury Not guilty because of a technicality is not the same as not guilty .It means hes of the hook because some one "by mistake of ... more
jon on Ashby found not guilty of perjury It was a technical error not that hes not guilty theres a huge difference .Some one accidently or deliberately messed up. ... more
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Richard on Ashby found not guilty of perjury Ashby got off on a technicality, I am not sure saying he is innocent is right. I wish the Court had the chance to see and ... more
Bart on Ashby found not guilty of perjury I love this government and its executive - so entertaining and the best part is they are all laughing all the way to the ... more
Lenny on Ashby found not guilty of perjury Simon either has a sick, warped sense of humour, or he has major problems~! Simon, I'd start worrying too, particularly as ... more
Spin Doctor on Ashby found not guilty of perjury Simon is your surname Overland by any chance? more
Phillip Molly Malone on Gerard Healy and co. have a win As long as they put up signs and don't let them hide behind trees like they do at some of the carparks down at their beaches! more
Simon on Ashby found not guilty of perjury You have got it all wrong. There is hardly any corruption in Victoria. The OPI and ESD are doing a great job. We all make ... more

Neil Mitchell names Tim Pallas

Posted by: 3AW Mornings | 6 April, 2009 - 8:54 AM

ABOVE: Neil Mitchell reveals the background to the story.

A Victorian Government minister tipped off former assistant police commissioner Noel Ashby in 2007 that then union chief Paul Mullett might be under investigation, according to a secret briefing paper prepared on behalf of Ashby.

After reading The Age's article on Monday, Neil Mitchell investigated and has named Tim Pallas as the alleged minister involved.

Mr Pallas has since told the media: "I have no knowledge of OPI investigations as Roads Minister. I have had no knowledge of those matters."

If this is true, what action should Premier John Brumby take?

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Blog comments

Noel Ashby is a perfect example of what happens when people are consumed with power and authority. There's no-one in this whole charade who comes out crystal clean. If you believe Ashby, then the obvious question is - WHO (allegedly) passed on information to Pallas? The OFI doesn't come out looking credible as well, particularly when (allegedly) an investigation of this magnitude has obviously been compromised. This whole charade is a perfect example of why we need a totally independent body to fully investigate all relevant material. There are a lot of players in this saga with an axe to grind. Anyone with an intimate knowledge of the hierarchy of Victoria Police would know there has been a significant problem regarding corruption for many years. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The Premier should take immediate steps to appoint a suitably qualified retired Judge or QC with the same powers of a Royal Commissioner, to fully investigate all relevant matters.

Lenny Monday 6 April, 2009 - 8:04 PM
Tim Pallas, Police Commissioner Noel Ashby, Paul Mullett. It is interesting how public opinion can influence the speed and balance of those scales held by the blindfolded woman. Influence peddelers are no different to the merchants in the church.

Edward James Monday 6 April, 2009 - 5:29 PM
Tim Pallas is a very tough Minister and would do anything to get what he wants. In Echuca he has admitted he will do anything to ensure the Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Nation gets it's way over and above the needs and wants of an entire community of 30,000+ people. The issue is the new Murray Bridge Corridor, blocked by the Yorta Yorta. Not good enough an entire community must suffer.

Peter Conway Monday 6 April, 2009 - 1:22 PM
Unfortunately how could anyone believe anything that comes out of Noel Ashby's mouth. He is a liar and is more dodgier than a chinese building site.

noel wyzman Monday 6 April, 2009 - 9:57 AM
Neil Mitchell,

Why did the minister know specific information regarding an OPI investigation. ie. Why is the OPI divulging information that may comprimise their investigation. Surely the specifics of any investigation should be kept in house until the investigation is complete. If this is not the case then the OPI is obviously engaging in politics, which is not their role!

Michael Monday 6 April, 2009 - 9:35 AM