The Ghost of Godwin Gretch Returns


"On Wednesday the ABC reported that it had access to the contents of Filing Cabinets that were full of Cabinet documents .

There followed sensational leaks concerning Kevin Rudd , Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison .

With all this happening Malcom Turnbull just looked to calm and relaxed , to smug by half.

After talking to several colleagues who like myself were involved in senior levels of the Public Service we conclude the ABC story is bogus, in other words a sensationalised beat up - yes Lies .

If one has worked in the Senior Service of the Australian Public Service, there are a number of strictly enforced protocols and procedures for classifying , handling and the secure storage of government documents especially Cabinet Documents.

All this is detailed the relevant Ministerial Handbook's and Cabinet Handbooks - there is also a Protective Security Manual which also details the correct process for recording , cataloguing securing of these documents.

In light of these strictly enforced processes.

I must conclude this story is an ABC beat up .

Cabinet documents are classified Cabinet-In-Confidence, not Top Secret and any documents carrying a Top Secret or higher security level would never be placed in a ordinary filing cabinets.

Its more likely these so called documents are briefing notes , background notes, submission papers .

But Kevin Rudd has commenced Legal Action against the ABC and Tony Abbott has demanded a full Investigation saying someone is responsible and needs to be held to account.

The ALP has also accepted the veracity of these documents meaning they will also be calling on the Federal Police and ASIO to act against those who let this happen.

Its also worthwhile the ABC is now referring to these documents as Top Secret and Classified and not Cabinet Papers - interesting ?

Meanwhile Turnbull has ducked for cover but it appears he and his office is in breach of the relevant Federal Laws. Its happened on his watch.

The Ghost of Godwin Gretch is alive and well with Malcom Turnbull as another ham-fisted attempt to smear his opponents fails again"

Can anyone find a link to that?

Not sure I am embracing the headline yet.  Too early.

Link.

Quote:


As far as I am concerned, the ABC knew it was in receipt of stolen property, and among those who must be charged, are those involved in the ABC who knowingly received that stolen property.

Its job does not include criminal activity.

And yes, it seems the PM's Department accepts it is at fault.  Gee, I wonder what the Red Baron 'the bucks stops with the PM' has to say?

Link.

Quote:

lee wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2018 at 6:07pm:


Do you have any reference so we can judge that statement in context Lee???

philperth2010 wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2018 at 6:16pm:

WA state politics is irrelevant to Federal matters.

What is relevant is that the DPMC has stated that it is responsible for the loss of the documents. Regardless of who ends up taking the blame, this is a major embarrassment to the Turnbull government. If they can't even be trusted to keep confidential documents safe, how can they be trusted to run a country?

Bam wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2018 at 6:50pm:


I know it can be blown up into that sort of issue, but that is not the only very relevant and important matter here.

Someone stole those documents the instant they found them in those Cabinets and did not hand them, without fanfare, to the Police.  Instead, they passed them on to, and were happily received by the ABC who also knew they were stolen, and they then used them for their own chest beating.  That is criminal activity, make no bones about it, and there is no viable defence about supposed 'public interest' in criminal trials.  'Oh mate, Judge old pal, I killed him because it was in the public interest.'  Yeah, that'll work!

Nah, crimes have been committed, and that must be addressed.

No.  The Government sold Cabinets....not the contents.  Quite obviously, they did not intend to part with their lawful possession of those documents.