Smart Freeways—Public funds—Organised crime gangs
722. Ms Sandra Brewer to the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the "cash for Coffin Cheaters" scandal. Did any public funds from the Smart Freeways project end up in the pockets of companies associated with organised crime gangs like the Coffin Cheaters?
Ms Rita Saffioti replied:
That is not my advice. This is the member who came in to defend tow truck operators who are ripping off Western Australians. There was one article. It has gone from an article to a scandal. The opposition's escalation in this place is amazing!
Mr Lachlan Hunter: It was on the front page of The West Australian.
Ms Rita Saffioti: The front page.
Several members interjected.
The Speaker: Members! The minister is responding.
Ms Rita Saffioti: The opposition goes from an issue that is in the paper to a scandal within a few hours.
Several members interjected.
The Speaker: Members! Member for Central Wheatbelt!
Ms Rita Saffioti: The member for Cottesloe was out there defending those tow truck operators, was she not? She came and said in her inaugural speech that we were going too hard on tow truck operators in this state. As I said, that is not my advice. This matter is being investigated. The police are providing advice to VenuesWest about that contract.
723. Ms Sandra Brewer to the Minister for Transport:
I have a supplementary question.
Has the minister ordered Main Roads Western Australia to urgently review whether any work has been awarded either directly or as a subcontractor to organised crime gangs on any Main Roads projects?
Ms Rita Saffioti replied:
As I said, I have no advice. How far back does the member want to go? Does she want to go through the last 20 years? Is that what she wants to do? There is no advice in front of me to suggest this—
Ms Sandra Brewer interjected.
The Speaker: Member for Cottesloe, you have asked the question. Let the minister respond.
Ms Rita Saffioti: There is no advice in front of me to suggest this. In relation to this particular company, as I said, we are seeking further information from the police.
Several members interjected.
The Speaker: Members!
