Home minister to face public grilling on AFR

HOME minister Jonathan Le Tocq, pictured, has been called to answer questions at a public hearing over his department's handling of the secret AFR settlement.

Scrutiny yesterday announced the terms of reference of that review.

'There are many important issues arising out of the AFR matter, however, the committee has decided that the way the Home Department has handled its obligations to transparency is the most important concern,' said Scrutiny chairman Paul Arditti, who will head the panel conducting the review.

'This is clearly an urgent matter and the panel and its staff will do everything they can to bring this hearing forward at the earliest opportunity, and we trust that the Home Department will treat this important matter with equal urgency.'

One of the lines of inquiry is likely to include whether there has been a breach of the confidentiality arrangement the head of law enforcement Patrick Rice brokered now that deputies have been given details of various costs.