O'Farrell must be called to give evidence
Posted: Tuesday, 10 April 2012 | By: John Robertson
The NSW Opposition has renewed calls for the Premier to be compelled to give evidence before the Furness Inquiry into The Star casino scandal after Gail Furness SC indicated that at this stage, the Premier will not be asked to appear.
"The people of NSW have a right to know whether Barry O'Farrell plotted with his friend and senior advisor, Peter Grimshaw to use the resources of Government to pursue a vendetta against The Star casino," said Mr Robertson.
"It is not too late for Gail Furness SC to change her mind and I implore her to do just that and put the Premier on the stand.
"If necessary, the terms of reference of the Inquiry should be expanded to ensure no part of this scandal is swept under the carpet.
"There is evidence before the Furness Inquiry that the Premier conspired with Peter Grimshaw to 'smash' The Star back in 2010, and said he wanted to give the casino a 'wake up call'.
"Less than two years later, it has been revealed that the same Peter Grimshaw, by then a senior advisor to Barry O'Farrell, used his position in the Premier's office to pursue a personal vendetta against The Star.
"It is completely implausible to suggest that the Premier's involvement in 2010 had nothing to do with Peter Grimshaw's actions in 2012.
"The only way to get to the bottom of the Premier's involvement in this sordid affair is for him to be called to give evidence under oath before the Furness Inquiry.
"The O'Farrell Government has done everything in its power to prevent information about the Premier's involvement from being released – including using its majority in the Parliament to block the release of documents and correspondence relating to The Star.
"Gail Furness SC has the powers of a Royal Commission to call witnesses and compel them to give evidence – powers that can be used to compel the Premier of NSW to tell the truth.
"If Barry O'Farrell does not appear before the Furness Inquiry – there is a risk the Inquiry will be seen to have been a whitewash."
According to evidence revealed at the Independent Liquor Gaming Authority public hearings last week, 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."
Tags: Barry O'Farrell, Gail Furness, John Robertson, Peter Grimshaw, The Star