Aust.: No accountability for Solon's deportation

Still no accountability for Vivian Solon's deportation

Australian Greens Senator Kerry Nettle noted today that no one has yet been held to account for the Vivian Solon scandal and that the email released today confirms the Ms Solon's case was known at the highest levels.

"No one has yet been held accountable for the abhorrent treatment of Ms Solon that is forecast to cost taxpayers $10 million," said Senator Nettle.

"The Minister and former Minister remain at their posts. The departmental heads have been promoted or shifted sideways, and, when I last enquired, action had not been taken against the officials named as responsible in the Comrie Report.

"If a public servant blew $10 million through waste or mismanagement, they would be held accountable. Yet no one has been held accountable for the cruel treatment of Ms Solon. The Greens say this is not acceptable.

"The email to Ms Godwin, clearly shows that warnings about Ms Solon's fitness to travel were known at the highest levels within the department.

"I don't imagine every deportation is reported to the first assistant secretary. Ms Solon's case must have been reported because those involved knew they were on shaky ground in deporting Ms Solon and wanted to cover themselves. Judging by the Government's failure to take responsibility for this matter, they seem to have covered both themselves and the senior level officers they reported to.

"The Senate Inquiry into the Solon scandal did not interview Ms Godwin because she had already been moved out of the Department before the Inquiry began.

"Ms Godwin should appear before Senate Estimates next week to explain this email and her involvement in the case. The public and Ms Solon have a right to know the truth."

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