By Crikey reporter Lucy Morieson

With many Australians still reeling over the deportation of US
peace activist Scott Parkin, Crikey has learnt this morning of an inquiry into the affair. Ian
Carnell, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS)
will be heading up an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding
Parkin’s
expulsion.

The IGIS office this morning confirmed that Carnell has decided to
conduct an inquiry into the matter, but in accordance with the IGIS
Act, all inquiries must be conducted in private – which means again,
we are likely to remain in the dark about all matters surrounding
Parkin’s removal from the country. And as for the details of the
inquiry itself – its purpose, and who
Carnell, an independent security ombudsman, will be
reporting to – they also remain unclear.

Iain Murray, a close friend of Parkin’s and a member of a local
non-violence group
responsible for organising his planned Melbourne
forum, was part of a group protesting his deportation before Ruddock at
a book launch in Melbourne last night. Wearing Mahatma
Gandhi masks, the protesters demanded an explanation from the Attorney
General, with placards asking, “Would you deport Gandhi, Mr Ruddock?”

But when asked about the IGIS inquiry, Ruddock had nothing to say on
the matter. It was unclear whether he had been briefed on the inquiry,
says Murray, although Ruddock’s office this morning confirmed their
knowledge of the IGIS investigation.