Pyne 'not sorry' for parly stalker access

Queensland MP Rob Pyne says he's 'not sorry' for allowing a man charged with stalking another MP into the parliamentary precinct.

ROB PYNE PRESSER

Rob Pyne let a man charged with stalking another MP into the Queensland parliamentary precinct. (AAP)

Queensland MP Rob Pyne says he won't apologise for allowing a man charged with stalking a fellow MP into the parliamentary precinct.

Mr Pyne has been referred to the powerful Ethics Committee for signing in Rockhampton man Petros Khalesirad on Tuesday and allowing him to move around unattended.

Khalesirad is scheduled to face trial for allegedly stalking Keppel MP Brittany Lauga in December, having earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Queensland Speaker Peter Wellington described the breach as a "very grave" matter but Mr Pyne said he still didn't understand the problem.

"I had no reason to expect (Ms Lauga) would be distressed by this gentleman's entry, I've done nothing wrong," Mr Pyne told reporters on Thursday.

"I would be very surprised if this gentleman was found guilty of stalking. I've found him to be of exemplary behaviour, well-mannered, and I believe he's a former Queenslander of the Year."

Khalesirad was named Young Queenslander of the year in 1999.

Mr Wellington said there was a "prima facie" case for a security breach and the issue raised wider questions about MPs' use of parliamentary privilege.

"I have become increasingly concerned about the unfettered right of MPs to table documents, which I believe is open to abuse."

Mr Pyne has been criticised recently for tabling reams of documents making allegations of corruption about various people, including several local Queensland mayors.

It's understood he had intended to table more documents on Thursday relating to a domestic violence matter.

Parliament's Ethics Committee has the power to compel MPs to give evidence and can recommend MPs be expelled from parliament.

Ms Lauga told the ABC on Thursday she was happy the Speaker was addressing the issue.

"There's been security breaches in the past so, you know, I think we'll see what happens as a result of the latest matter.

"I think that when it comes to security at Parliament House ... it's a place of the people but we also do need to make sure that when people visit Parliament House ... the staff who work here and the members of parliament are safe when they're there."


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Source: AAP



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