Interference claim defamatory: coalition

SYDNEY, Aug 25 (AAP) - Liberal frontbencher Christopher Pyne says suggestions the coalition interfered in the police investigation into Labor MP Craig Thomson are not only wrong, but defamatory.
Opposition justice spokesman George Brandis admits he phoned the NSW police minister four days before the police began an investigation into the misuse of Mr Thomson's union credit card.
The government has warned against political interference in the case, with Labor minister Tanya Plibersek labelling the phone call "completely, completely improper".
But Mr Pyne on Thursday said allegations of interference were a smokescreen, given the police inquiry had yet to start when the call was made.
"The idea that ... somehow George Brandis interfered in a police investigation is highly defamatory and completely untrue," he told ABC Television.
Mr Pyne repeated the call for Mr Thomson to make a personal explanation to parliament over the matter and hinted that the member for Dobell had something to hide.
"His concern is that if he does, he will mislead the parliament and be found in contempt."
But Ms Plibersek said Mr Thomson's denials were already on the public record.
"The idea that he has to come into parliament day after day, after day and say the same thing is nonsense," she told ABC TV.
Asked if Senator Brandis should then address parliament about the phone call to the NSW police minister, Mr Pyne replied: "He might choose to do so."