Australia: Labor Party Embroiled in Whistle-Blower Murder Investigation

NSW Opposition Calls for Inquiry into Mark McGurk's Death

THE NSW Opposition has called for an independent inquiry after allegations a businessman was shot dead because he had a tape that could bring down the NSW Government.

AAP
September 05, 2009

Murdered Sydney businessman Michael McGurk feared for his life because he had a tape recording of a conversation capable of bringing down the NSW government, one of his former business associates says.

Mr McGurk reportedly told a Sydney journalist he had audio containing revelations about the bribing of state and federal Labor politicians.

Mr McGurk, 45, was shot dead outside his home in Cranbrook Avenue, Cremorne, on Sydney's north shore, about 6.30pm (AEST) on Thursday.

His young son witnessed the killing.

Mr McGurk's home and office also had been burgled recently, the ABC reports.

NSW Opposition frontbencher Chris Hartcher says such serious allegations needed immediate investigation.

"There's always been concerns that New South Wales Labor has had a systematic culture of corruption, especially in relationship to planning and zoning," he told ABC.

"These allegations simply go further along that path.

"There should be a full and independent inquiry. If not by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), then it should be instituted by the New South Wales Parliament, the Legislative Council - somebody which the Government doesn't control.

"But it's extraordinary that New South Wales has now got to the state where allegations like this can be made."

The Premier on Saturday morning issued a statement saying the Government took any allegation of corruption seriously.

"The NSW government takes allegations of corruption very seriously. If there is any evidence, it should be referred to police or the ICAC," the statement said.

NSW Police Minister Tony Kelly said neither he nor his staff had been briefed on the McGurk investigation.

"It would be inappropriate for police to provide briefings on this serious, ongoing criminal investigation," the ABC quoted him as saying.

"We encourage anybody with any allegations about corrupt behaviour of politicians or police to take them to either the ICAC or Police Integrity Commission."

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,26029773-29277,00.html