Labor border 'boon' claims ridiculous: McGowan
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Premier Mark McGowan has quashed claims his government sought to expedite the G2G process to allow those lining WA Labor’s pockets entry into the state, labelling the statements “ridiculous”.
One by one, members of the opposition have been joining the fight for an inquiry into the explosive allegations since they were made in court earlier this month by one of deputy Premier Roger Cook’s former staff members.
Before the Public Service Appeal Board reviewing her dismissal, Sanja Spasojevic deponed that she was asked to tell WA Police to fast-track G2G applications for the party’s donors.
But during a press conference this morning, Mr McGowan said the allegations were untrue and insisted that the process had been completely above board.
“Well, the claims are spurious and wrong and silly and ridiculous,” he said.
“The opposition can write whatever letters they want.
“Members of parliament get emails and requests from the public and then they forward them on to get them looked at by relevant government agencies.
“That's what occurs and there is nothing wrong with that.
“There's no prioritisation for anyone in particular.
“Emails come in, requests come in, letters come in and calls come in; you forward them on and ask for them to be examined.
“The claims are ridiculous, spurious and untrue.”
Opposition leader Mia Davies has written to Corruption and Crime Commissioner John McKechnie QC raising concerns about the allegations of preferential treatment, which she said were serious and warranted further investigation.
“If found to be true, it would be a gross misuse of power and raises questions about the influence of donors and Ministers in the McGowan Government,” Ms Davies said.
“In addition, if they are found to be true, it would be a huge betrayal of trust for the many families who were separated and denied entry into Western Australia under the McGowan Labor government’s G2G system.”
Liberals WA leader David Honey said the allegations were extremely disturbing.