Qld cop self-incrimination legal bid fails

A Queensland policeman has failed in a legal bid that may have made it possible for officers to refuse to answer questions during disciplinary interviews on the basis of self-incrimination.

Kerry Nugent refused to answer questions in two interviews - one an inquiry, the other disciplinary - after he was suspected of tipping off a colleague who was then under investigation.

He launched an appeal after unsuccessfully seeking a declaration in the Supreme Court that privilege against self-incrimination could be claimed in disciplinary interviews.

But the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal on Tuesday and ordered Mr Nugent pay the costs of Police Commissioner Ian Stewart and Acting Inspector Ian Thompson.