Albanese defends Roxon's Ashby comments

1 Oct 2012, 1:05 pm   -   Source: AAP

Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese says the federal government had a responsibility to taxpayers to settle the suit brought by James Ashby.

Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese says Attorney-General Nicola Roxon's comments about Peter Slipper's staffer James Ashby were "entirely appropriate".

Mr Ashby is considering a defamation suit against Ms Roxon after she said last week's settlement was "about bringing matters to a speedy conclusion".

She also urged Mr Ashby to drop his case against Mr Slipper.

The federal government will pay Mr Ashby $50,000 after he alleged it had failed to provide a safe workplace.

But Mr Albanese on Monday denied the settlement indicated his allegations were valid.

"It doesn't imply that at all," he told reporters in Sydney.

"The Commonwealth has a responsibility in terms of taxpayers - already $730,000, I read in the papers, has been spent (on the case) by the Commonwealth, (which) has responsibilities beyond that."

The federal government has also withdrawn its "abuse of process" case against Mr Ashby.

A spokesman for Mr Ashby attacked Ms Roxon's comments last week, saying they could be read as suggesting that it was Mr Ashby who initiated the withdrawal and settlement.

"The opposite is in fact the situation," he said.

"It is regrettable that as a result of the attorney-general's conduct, Mr Ashby is now forced to consider his position in relation to commencing defamation, victimisation and contempt-of-court proceedings."

Mr Albanese defended the remarks.

"The attorney-general has made it very clear that she doesn't resile from any of the statements that have been made on this issue, and nor do I," he said.

Mr Ashby's sexual harassment case against Mr Slipper will continue on Tuesday.

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