TASMANIA Police will conduct “further inquiries” into allegations of corruption in the former state government’s Fox Taskforce.
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The force announced on Thursday that it had examined a 150-page police complaint which alleges the controversial government body was built on criminality.
The Fox Taskforce was created by the Labor government in 2001 to investigate rumours that Tasmania had a feral fox population.
It went on to spend about $50 million, but never found a live fox.
In February, Windermere Independent MLC and former police commander Ivan Dean submitted the complaint, which he put together with a team of experts over a 15-year period.
Until Thursday, police had been tight-lipped about their intentions.
Crime and Operations Acting Assistant Commissioner Peter Edwards said a deeper look at the allegations was required.
“This initial assessment has identified that further inquiries need to be undertaken in order to gain a full appreciation of the allegations contained within the complaint and where evidence might exist,’’ he said.
“The file will now be allocated for further assessment so an informed decision can be made regarding the most appropriate future course of action for this matter.”
Mr Dean said he was “very pleased” with the progress.
Mr Dean is preparing a follow-up document which features information to assist officers with their inquiries.
All three major Tasmanian political parties have denied knowledge of criminality.
cclarke@fairfaxmedia.com.au