QLD: Beattie welcomes any CJC involvement in net bet affair

AAP General News (Australia)
08-02-1999
QLD: Beattie welcomes any CJC involvement in net bet affair

BRISBANE, Aug 2 AAP - Queensland Premier Peter Beattie today welcomed opposition moves to
refer the net bet scandal to the Criminal Justice Commission (CJC).

Mr Beattie said he had instructed his director-general to contact Auditor-General Len
Scanlan, who is currently conducting an investigation into the scandal, and the CJC to assure
them the government would fully co-operate.

"I have no difficulty with the CJC looking at this matter," Mr Beattie said.

Treasurer David Hamill stood aside yesterday under mounting pressure following his granting
of Queensland's first Internet gambling licence to a company linked to three Labor figures.

The auditor-general stepped in last week after ALP backbencher Bill D'Arcy, ministerial
adviser Don Livingstone and Ipswich City councillor Paul Pisasale were revealed as
shareholders in a company holding 20 per cent of Gocorp, which last month won the interim
licence.

Mr Scanlan is conducting a full audit but Opposition Leader Rob Borbidge said there should
be a full independent judicial inquiry into the granting of the licence to Gocorp.

Mr Beattie said Mr Scanlan would be briefing the CJC in the next few days.

"When the auditor-general does brief the CJC then they, under their act, will obviously
make a determination as to the course of action that follows," Mr Beattie said.

He also said it was unlikely Treasurer David Hamill would regain his position on the front
bench while any investigation was ongoing, leaving Mr Beattie to deliver the September 14
state budget.

"I have to wait until I'm advised by the CJC if they are investigating this matter," Mr
Beattie said.

"When I receive those reports (from the auditor-general and, if applicable, the CJC) I'll
make whatever decision that has to be made.

"I've signalled that I am acting treasurer."

Mr Beattie also admitted the scandal had harmed his government's reputation and that the
three Labor Party figures who sparked it had let the party down.

"I do feel that these people have put their personal interests ahead of good government,"
he said.

"There has been some damage but whether it's long-term depends on how this matter's
handled."

AAP sls/ah

KEYWORD: NET CASINO BEATTIE LEAD

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.