Secret WA tape reveals minister influence scheme
A 2019 recording publicly released in a defamation trial shows property developer Greg Poland proposing a land deal involving WA government ministers.
A secret audio recording from 2019 has been made public in a defamation trial. The recording was taken at the Subiaco Hotel without Poland's knowledge.
In it, property developer Greg Poland discusses a scheme with businessman Aaron Grainger. Poland proposed a sand mining operation at Myalup.
He wanted the WA government to dump soil from its Metronet projects there in exchange. Poland said then-Transport Minister Rita Saffioti and Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan asked him to find a soil disposal solution.
Poland suggested that favours for either minister would prompt them to just steamroll anything through. Poland also claimed credit for the state government's lobster plan.
He said then-Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly had mishandled it. All three ministers later testified that Poland exaggerated his influence with them.
Justice Matthew Howard released the recording publicly on Wednesday as the defamation trial nears closing submissions.
- 2019
- Recording year
- Subiaco Hotel
- Recording location
- 2 to 8 million tonnes
- Soil volume discussed
- Metronet Forrestfield Airport Link
- Development project
Why it mattersThe public release shows what the defamation case is about. It raises questions about private influence on government land and environmental decisions.
AustraliaWestern Australian voters can now hear directly what was discussed regarding government land deals and ministerial relationships; the trial outcome may set precedent for surveillance laws and public interest in government conduct.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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