Premier's staffer fronts casino inquiry

The Premier's suspended communications director Peter Grimshaw has denied he tried to use his influence to have Sydney's Star casino's former managing director sacked.

Mr Grimshaw has begun giving evidence at a public inquiry into allegations of misconduct at the casino.

The Liquor and Gaming Authority is investigating the circumstances surrounding the sacking of Sid Vaikunta over sexual harassment claims, and whether the casino should have reported the development.

It is also examining a series of emails and texts between Mr Grimshaw and his girlfriend, who worked at The Star and had made complaints against Mr Vaikunta.

The leaked messages led the Premier to stand Peter Grimshaw down.

Mr Grimshaw had also worked under Sid Vaikunta for six months before moving to the Premier's department.

He told the inquiry that he had formed an adverse opinion of Mr Vaikunta during that time, but denied he was trying to have him removed when he complained about his behaviour to a review of the casino's licence.

When grilled by Counsel Assisting Michael Wigney SC, he denied he had a vendetta against his former boss.

"It wasn't my decision to decide whether he goes or not," he said.

Mr Grimshaw told the inquiry his partner was being flippant when, months later, she sent texts describing Mr Vaikunta as 'Mr Nasty' and saying to Mr Grimshaw 'his removal rests with you'.

Media campaign

Meanwhile, the Premier Barry O'Farrell has attacked the casino's operators, after they admitted giving the emails to the media.

Echo Entertainment has revealed it released emails between Mr Grimshaw and his partner.

It says it did so to protect its business interests in the wake of a damaging media campaign.

Mr O'Farrell has told Sky news it is "beyond the pale" that Echo would seek to punish an alleged victim of sexual abuse.

"Echo have got a few questions to answer there," he said.

"It surprises me that they've finally admitted overnight something that they've previously denied.

"What saddens me is that Echo Entertainment, a publicly listed company, would seek to punish the victim of sexual abuse."

Mr Grimshaw's partner claimed she had been sexually harassed by Sid Vaikunta, but never filed a formal complaint.

Mr Vaikunta has denied that he acted inappropriately.

Mr O'Farrell has again repeated that his government has made no decisions affecting the casino.

Source: ABC News, 2 April 2013