NSW: Obeid denies payment allegations
SYDNEY, Aug 30 AAP - A senior NSW government minister has dismissed as untrue and absurdclaims he attempted to seek a million dollar payment to the ALP for solving problems withthe Bulldogs' Oasis development.
Fisheries Minister Eddie Obeid said he would be taking legal action over a report intoday's Sydney Morning Herald.
The report said Mr Obeid had been accused of offering to help the Bulldogs LeaguesClub obtain crown land for the sporting and residential complex and to smooth the club'spoker machine licensing problems in return for a payment to the ALP.
Mr Obeid called a news conference today to deny the claims which he said should havebeen referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
"Allegations made by the Sydney Morning Herald this morning are untrue, absurd anddefamatory," he said.
"These allegations ... should be taken to ICAC and I'd be more than happy to answerany question in an ICAC inquiry."
Mr Obeid said he had no role to play in any facet of approval in gaming machines andhad not lobbied Gaming Minister Richard Face on the issue.
"Nor have I attended on a one-to-one basis any meeting with (then-Bulldogs president)Gary McIntyre," he said.
"I have met him on a handful of times, always in the presence of a number of other people."
Mr Obeid said he had never discussed donations to the ALP with anyone from the club.
NSW Opposition leader John Brogden called for an ICAC investigation into the claims,and for Mr Obeid to stand aside pending a result.
"I believe ... it is appropriate that Mr Obeid stand aside whilst these most seriousallegations are investigated fully and openly by ICAC," he told reporters.
But Mr Obeid dismissed the call as "absolute rubbish".
"I won't be standing down and I have the full support of the premier," he said.
Premier Bob Carr told ABC radio the claims against Mr Obeid were reckless and falseand should be investigated by ICAC.
AAP gmw/arb/ph/bwl
KEYWORD: BULLDOGS OBEID
No comments:
Post a Comment