D'Orazio cleared of misconduct

The Corruption and Crime Commission today cleared the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Justice, Community Safety, John D'Orazio, of allegations of misconduct.
The allegations made in the media arose from a meeting in the Minister's office with Mr Adam Spagnolo and Mr Tony Drago on 25 August 2003.
Commissioner Kevin Hammond told a public hearing today that the commission had assessed the allegation and as a result no further action would be taken.
He said the assessment started on Wednesday 22 February 2006 following the publication of a newspaper article.
Mr Hammond said the Commission found a divergence in the evidence given by Mr D'Orazio, Mr Spagnolo and Mr Drago as to whether business deals were discussed in the meeting in the Minister's office on 25 August 2003.
"What emerges from an assessment of all the evidence, including that of the three men, is that there is no evidence of improper, illegal or corrupt deals being discussed at the meeting."
Mr Hammond added that the term 'Godfather' used by Counsel Assisting the Commission, Ms Patti Chong at a public hearing into the City of Bayswater in June 2005 was a throwaway line used only once.
"It was not intended to have any further meaning or significance."

Mr Spagnolo is facing corruption charges over alleged dealings with the City of Bayswater.

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CORRUPTION AND CRIME COMMISSION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
MEDIA STATEMENT
CCC clears Minister of misconduct
3/3/06
The Corruption and Crime Commission has cleared the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Justice, Community Safety, Mr John D'Orazio, of allegations of misconduct.
The allegations made in the media arose from a meeting in the Minister's office with Mr Adam Spagnolo and Mr Tony Drago on 25 August 2003.
Commissioner Hammond told a public hearing today that the Commission had assessed the allegation and as a result no further action would be taken.
He said the assessment started on Wednesday 22 February 2006 following the publication of an article in The West Australian.
"Prior to that date Mr D'Orazio's name had not arisen in regard to the Commission's investigation into the City of Bayswater that were the subject of public hearings last year nor, to the best of the CCC's knowledge, in the investigations of the prior Anti-Corruption Commission.
Mr Hammond said the Commission found a divergence in the evidence given by Mr D'Orazio, Mr Spagnolo and Mr Drago as to whether business deals were discussed in the meeting in the Minister's office on 25 August 2003.
"What emerges from an assessment of all the evidence, including that of the three men, is that there is no evidence of improper, illegal or corrupt deals being discussed at the meeting."
Mr Hammond added that the term 'Godfather' used by Counsel Assisting the Commission, Ms Patti Chong at a public hearing into the City of Bayswater in June 2005 was a throwaway line used only once.
"It was not intended to have any further meaning or significance."

The Commission's assessment involved:
- The evidence provided by Mr Drago and Mr Spagnolo at last year's public hearings involving tendering processes at the City of Bayswater.
- Information disseminated in the media.
- Information collected by the former A-CC.
- A recording of a conversation between Mr Spagnolo and The West Australian.
- Formal interviews with Mr Adam Spagnolo, Mr Drago and Mr D'Orazio.
- A Private Hearing at the CCC in which Mr D'Orazio and Mr Drago gave evidence under oath. (Mr Spagnolo did not give evidence under oath as he is facing charges relating to the events and the High Court has ruled that witnesses should not be compelled to give evidence in such circumstances. The Commissioner directed that the prohibition on mentioning evidence at private hearings would be lifted for Mr D'Orazio and Mr Drago.)
- A telephone call between Mr D'Orazio and Mr Spagnolo on 22 August 2003 suggesting a meeting to discuss personal issues between Mr Spagnolo and Mr Drago rather than business deals.

Mr Spagnolo is facing corruption charges over alleged dealings with the City of Bayswater.
The text of the Commissioner's opinion and decision is available on the Commission's website at www.ccc.wa.gov.au under publications and speeches. It is also available under Hearings/transcripts.
Media contact: Owen Cole 9215 4802, 0439 910 161