Tasmania Police says there is ‘no reasonable prospect of conviction’ in relation to sex abuse claims against Rene Hidding

Tasmania Police has announced the result of its investigation into accusations of historical sexual abuse by former Liberal minister Rene Hidding – claims he vehemently denies.

No charges will be laid against former Liberal minister Rene Hidding. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

POLICE will not press charges against a former State Government minister over an allegation of historical sexual abuse.

A 56-year-old woman had accused former Liberal minister Rene Hidding of sexually abusing her about 40 years ago – claims Mr Hidding strongly denies.

Tasmania Police on Monday afternoon said Mr Hidding would not be charged.

“Following an extensive investigation, Tasmania Police can confirm that a 66-year-old Tasmanian man will not be charged in relation to historic sex offences,” a police statement read.

“Advice was sought from the DPP who reviewed the available evidence and determined that given the constraints posed by the passage of time and the resulting impact on the evidence available, there was no reasonable prospect of conviction.”

Mr Hidding vehemently denied the claims made against him, labelling them “false and malicious”.

The former police minister, who resigned from parliament in February, said the allegations were part of a wider, long-term and bitter dispute and had never been raised by the woman before.