Grimshaw forced to resign in disgrace
Posted: Tuesday, 3 April 2012 | By: John Robertson
NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson today moved a censure motion against Premier Barry O'Farrell for misleading the Parliament and the people of NSW about his knowledge of and involvement in The Star casino affair.
This comes as the Premier's Communications Director, Peter Grimshaw was forced to resign today – after the Head of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Chris Eccles recommended he be sacked for an 'unambiguous, material and serious' breach of the Code of Conduct.
"The Premier has betrayed the people of NSW, misled the Parliament and lied again and again about his involvement in The Star casino affair," said Mr Robertson.
"This censure motion goes to the heart of the integrity and honesty of the Premier of NSW.
"The lies must be stopped and the Premier must be compelled to tell the truth about his involvement in The Star casino scandal.
"What did Barry O'Farrell mean when he told Peter Grimshaw he planned to 'smash The Star' and give them 'a wake up call' in 2010?
"How long has Barry O'Farrell held a grudge against The Star casino?
"Was the Premier upset and angry with The Star casino because they forced out his friend of 20 years Peter Grimshaw?
"Has the Premier supported Peter Grimshaw's covert campaign against The Star casino from day one?
"Barry O'Farrell has been ducking a weaving for weeks on the issue but the lies and obfuscation must end now.
"The Premier should be forced to answer these questions under oath before the Furness Inquiry today.
"Peter Grimshaw has been forced to resign in disgrace – but what about the Premier's misconduct? Who will hold Barry O'Farrell to account?"
Mr Robertson said the resignation of the Premier's Communications Director, Peter Grimshaw was even more evidence of the seriousness of the vendetta against The Star Mr O'Farrell aided and abetted from his office.
"The Head of the Premier's own Department, Chris Eccles recommended that Peter Grimshaw be sacked almost two weeks ago – but instead the Premier allowed him to fall on his sword today," said Mr Robertson.
"This is a disgrace. Peter Grimshaw was an out of control staffer who used the resources of the Premier's office to run a personal vendetta against his former employer.
"Peter Grimshaw should have never been allowed to resign – he should've been sacked.
"Instead, Barry O'Farrell has allowed his long time friend and confidante Peter Grimshaw to resign and take a considerable payout with him."
Premier misleads Parliament:
According to evidence revealed at the Independent Liquor Gaming Authority public hearings yesterday, Mr Grimshaw told his partner in a text message on August 21, 2010:
"I just told Barry what a dick Sid is. He said we might all have to give Star a wake up call when I leave."
Then on November 8, 2010 Mr Grimshaw told his partner in a text:
"Barry just texted me…. I think they are going to smash Star."
But when asked about whether he had had discussions with Peter Grimshaw about his views on Sid Vaikunta prior to December 2011 in the Parliament yesterday, Mr O'Farrell answered: "No".
Tags: Barry O'Farrell, gaming, John Robertson, Peter Grimshaw, Star Casino