[Greens-Media] Media release: Dark corners of NSW politics not confined to Labor Party

[John Kaye]

Dark corners of NSW politics not confined to Labor Party

Media release: 18 February 2014

Serious allegations concerning the Liberal Party on the Central Coast suggest that NSW politics is yet to rid itself of the environment of political corruption that damaged the state under Labor, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

(ICAC Media statement 'ICAC public inquiries into alleged corruption concerning MPs, Australian Water Holdings and political donations', 18 February 2014, http://j.mp/ICAC140218)

Dr Kaye said: "Operation Spicer suggests that the dark corners of NSW politics are not confined to the Labor party.

"After just three years of Liberal National government, a former senior Minister and two newly-elected MPs are under the corruption watchdog's spotlight.

"The pious varnish has been knocked off the O'Farrell government. As the state gears up for another election, the promises of clean government and an end to the rorts is to be put to the test before ICAC.

"For the past three years, the Central Coast has been alive with rumours surrounding the Eightbyfive company and its involvement in political donations and Liberal party influence peddling.

"Allegations of the role AWH has played in influencing both Labor and Coalition governments will at last be rigorously tested.

"While no doubt many people in NSW will throw their hands up in despair at the prospect of another scandal-ridden government, there is some reassurance in knowing that the independent watchdog is on the case.

"The allegations give even greater weight to fears that there is something fundamentally wrong with the state's political processes. Promises of clean government delivered at elections appear to amount to very little in the face of the temptations of office.

"While Mr Nicholas Di Girolamo sits at the centre of allegations in operations Credo and Spicer, he remains on the board of the State Water Corporation.

"Treasurer Mike Baird who vigorously defended Mr Di Girolamo's appointment last year has to respond to these very serious allegations and stand him down until ICAC has made its findings. 

"Mr di Girolamo's continued presence on the board of a state-owned corporation responsible for billions of dollars of water infrastructure will undermine public confidence until this matter is resolved," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455