Government 'stalling over casino scandal emails'
The New South Wales Government has been accused of stalling over an order to release potentially damaging emails relating to Sydney's Star Casino.
Labor had placed a freedom of information request for documents relating to the government's involvement in a sexual harassment scandal at the casino, but certain emails were withheld.
The scandal was the subject of public hearings a year ago, when the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority examined allegations of misconduct at the casino and the circumstances surrounding the sacking of Star's managing director Sid Vaikunta.
The Information and Privacy Commission recommended the government reconsider its decision to withhold the emails and had given it until yesterday to respond.
The Opposition Leader John Robertson says late in the day an advisor in the Premier's office said it would review the commission's recommendations.
"The government is simply stalling for time because there's no doubt these emails are damning," he said.
"If they weren't, Barry O'Farrell would have released them in the first place.
"This shows that we have a government led by Barry O'Farrell who is hiding information from the people of New South Wales."
The Star was at the centre of a sexual harassment scandal last year.
Independence questioned
Meanwhile, the opposition is questioning the independence of the man appointed to assess James Packer's push for a six-star hotel and casino at Barangaroo, after it was revealed he hosted a Liberal party fundraiser at his house.
Businessman David Murray is due to hand his report on the billion-dollar proposal to the New Wales Government by the end of this month.
The opposition's planning spokesman Luke Foley says it is inappropriate that a Liberal party fundraiser, attended by federal shadow treasurer Joe Hockey, was held at Mr Murray's house on Thursday night.
"To host a Liberal Party fundraiser in his own home while he's in the middle of an allegedly independent assessment for a Liberal Party government on a proposal that is the subject of much public scrutiny, is an error of judgement on Mr Murray's part," he said.
"Some will be very cynical when reading his final report to government."
Source: ABC News, 9 April 2013
