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No action needed against Bidgood: Speaker

Posted December 4, 2008 23:48:00
Updated December 4, 2008 23:57:00

Government backbencher James Bidgood has apologised for his actions.

Government backbencher James Bidgood has apologised for his actions. (AAP: Alan Porritt))

The House of Representatives Speaker says there should be no further action against the MP who took a photograph of a man trying to set himself on fire and then sold the image.

The man, who was protesting over a visa application matter, tried to set himself on alight in front of Parliament House and was photographed by the Federal Member for the Queensland seat of Dawson, James Bidgood.

Mr Bidgood then sold the photo to the media in return for a donation to charity.

Mr Bidgood has already apologised for his actions.

He said it was a highly insensitive thing to do.

Speaker Harry Jenkins has inquired into the issue and says he has checked that Mr Bidgood's actions did not interfere with security matters.

"I have concluded his actions did not cause interference," he said.

"In relation to all other questions raised I have concluded the actions may have been insensitive and inappropriate as described by the member for Dawson himself, I do not recommend any further action."

Tags: government-and-politics, federal-government, federal-parliament, canberra-2600

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