No cover up... but no disclosure of AFR costs either

HOME'S attempts to silence critics of its decision to keep secret how much public money was spent on the AFR case have largely failed.

Three deputies walked out of a hastily arranged behind-closed-doors briefing yesterday afternoon, which was attended by fewer than half the Assembly.

Others left angry, feeling that they had not been given all the information that the Home board had received, despite being promised they would and being given a stern warning of the need to keep quiet on the details of the meeting.

Chief Minister Peter Harwood, pictured, was one of only three Policy Council members at the briefing.

He released a statement late yesterday in which he gave his support for Home minister Jonathan Le Tocq and the board.