Slipper must pay his legal bills

PETER Slipper last night released photocopies of 13 Cabcharge dockets he claims clears him of any criminal behaviour.

In a brief statement, the embattled politician who stood aside on Sunday as Speaker in the Federal Parliament, said the dockets, all from January and February this year, were “clearly in my handwriting as I said they were”.

He released the Cabcharge dockets which he said he received yesterday afternoon from the Department of Finance and Deregulation.

“The so-called criminal allegation is a complete fabrication, just as the other claims are not accurate,” Mr Slipper said.

“I repeat that I reject allegations that have been made against me.”

Mr Slipper stood aside as Speaker after Federal Police announced they had launched a criminal investigation into his alleged misuse of Cabcharges at the start of the year.

Mr Slipper also faces a civil lawsuit against claims he sexually harassed one of his advisers, James Ashby.

The total amount of money covered by the 13 Cabcharge dockets he has made public is $1315.

Federal Attorney-General Nicola Roxon yesterday said taxpayers would not have to pay Mr Slipper’s legal bill.

Ms Roxon said Mr Slipper had not asked the Commonwealth to pay for any legal expenses arising from the civil action against him.

And even if he did ask, the request would be refused, she said.

Mr Ashby, 33, claims Mr Slipper sexually harassed him between January and March this year, a claim the Sunshine Coast MP denies.

Queensland Liberal Senator George Brandis earlier this week wrote to Ms Roxon seeking confirmation the commonwealth would not be liable to pay Mr Slipper’s legal costs.

Ms Roxon said parliamentary rules encompassed payment of ministers or parliamentary secretaries’ legal bills.

“As Mr Slipper is neither … his legal costs could not be paid under those regulations.”

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