Red shirts freedom of information request delayed until after election

A freedom of information request into irregularities in the police investigation of the red shirts scandal has been delayed until after the election.

Details due to be revealed regarding an alleged cover up have been delayed and now won’t be released under freedom of information laws until after the state election.

The request for further information surrounding the probe into Labor’s election rort in 2014 was lodged by Neil Mitchell’s program back in September amid allegations from a police whistleblower claiming high level interference.

It’s alleged police were actively blocked from doing their jobs and told not to arrest suspects.

Lawyer Justin Quill says Victorians were due to get more answers tomorrow about the inquiry, but will now have to wait until December 8.

“The argument that gives rise to this extension is they say ‘we need to consult’. They haven’t said who they need to consult with but presumably that will include the ministers, so they might be sending an email or a letter off to Daniel Andrews saying ‘Mr Andrews are you ok if we hand this material over to Neil Mitchell?’ I can imagine we can all guess what the response to that would be but that’s the excuse,” Mr Quill said.

Press PLAY below to hear Justin Quill explaining what’s happened

When probed today about whether he’s been consulted, Daniel Andrews said “it’s got nothing to do with us, it’s a matter for Victoria Police”.

In a statement, a Victoria Police spokesperson said “Any suggestion that Victoria Police is purposely delaying a Freedom of Information (FOI) request due to the election is simply untrue”.

“Victoria Police is an independent agency and does not consult with government on the timing of when FOI documents are released. The timeline extension is instead due to the fact Victoria Police has to consult with IBAC before making a decision on whether to release information.”

Press PLAY below to hear the responses from the Premier and police