[Greens-Media] Scimone affair: Iemma should ban developer donations and appoint an administrator to Wollongong Council

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release 21 February 2007

Scimone affair: Iemma should ban developer donations and appoint an
administrator to Wollongong Council

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said the deepening Scimone affair places the
onus on Premier Iemma to ban developer donations, move on 2007 ICAC
recommendations to corruption proof local government and appoint an
administrator to Wollongong Council.

“Premier Iemma needs to do more than a little bit of housekeeping to
clean up this mess and restore faith in the democratic process. He must
build a firewall between developers and local and state government.

“Mr Iemma should make the big gesture and ban developer donations and
implement ICAC’s 2007 recommendations on corruption, development and
local government.

“The Scimone affair is symbolic of how close developers and the NSW
ALP have become. 

“A culture has developed in NSW where developers are free to gain
access to politicians through donations, gifts and closed door
meetings.

“In the past nine years property developers have donated over
$21,569,078 to the major parties in NSW. 

“In 2006/07 developer donations peaked with $3,275,933 flowing to the
major parties.

“In 2007 ICAC presented a report to the Iemma government that
revealed that 17% of its corruption complaints relate to planning.  

“Mr Iemma can no longer fail to heed ICAC’s advice on how to
prevent corruption in local government, including requiring that
Councillors abstain from voting on matters affecting their campaign
donors.

 “Rich and powerful developers have far too much influence on
government in NSW. 

“An increase in developer donations in NSW has coincided with changes
in planning and development laws. 

“The power developers wield over NSW Labor politicians is corroding
the democratic process. 

“Premier Iemma must now act decisively to change this culture now
Labor’s dirty laundry is slapping in the breeze,” Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au