The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has begun a new inquiry focusing on three New South Wales Liberal MPs accused of failing to disclose political donations.
"This inquiry will expose systemic flaws in the political funding laws of New South Wales," said Geoffrey Watson SC, counsel assisting ICAC, in his opening statements today.
The Sydney-based inquiry will focus on the activities of Chris Hartcher, a former energy minister, Darren Webber and Chris Spence, all from the Central Coast.
The ICAC is investigating whether the three corruptly solicited, received and concealed payment from various sources between 2009 and 2012 in return for political favours.
The key to the inquiry is a company called Eightbyfive, allegedly set up as a slush fund for prohibited political donors to secretly funnel money to the MPs.
It is alleged that property developers, banned from giving political donations in NSW, are among those who contributed to the company.
It is also alleged that Australia Water Holdings (AWH) donated $183,000 to Eightbyfive.
AWH was at the centre of the previous ICAC investigation.
Its former boss, Nick Di Girolamo gave the bottle of wine to the former NSW premier Barry O'Farrell that led to his recent resignation.
Mr Watson told the packed hearing room that the ICAC did not claim the Liberal Party was corrupt as an entity.
"This is an examination of what's wrong with the system ... and all political parties in Australia should take note," he said.
"There is evidence of serious breaches of Australia's political funding laws."
Mining identity Nathan Tinkler and Karen MacNamara, the Federal MP for the seat of Dobell, are among the 30 people due to give evidence this week.
The list includes Troy Palmer, one of Mr Tinkler's senior executives, and former Newcastle MP and minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay.
Wealthy property developers will also be called, along with Liberal Party official John Caputo, who has been linked to Liberal Party fundraising on a federal and state level.
The public inquiry before Commissioner Megan Latham is expected to run for up to a month.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/23024380/icac-new-inquiry-probing-liberal-party-donations-will-expose-systemic-flaws/
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