QLD: Opposition renews calls for Hamill sacking over Net Bet

AAP General News (Australia)
08-19-1999
QLD: Opposition renews calls for Hamill sacking over Net Bet

By Barbara Adam

BRISBANE, Aug 19 AAP - The Queensland Opposition today renewed calls for sidelined
Treasurer David Hamill to be sacked after disclosure that the three men at the centre of the
net bet affair profited from a deal he approved in 1994.

But Mr Hamill said he had no idea Navari Pty Ltd was backed by Labor figures when, as
transport minister, he approved changes to a lease on a Gladstone harbour warehouse, on
departmental advice, when it was purchased by the company.

Opposition leader Rob Borbidge said a new treasurer should be appointed because the latest
revelations about his involvement with Navari five years ago showed Mr Hamill was "hopelessly
incompetent".

"If at the end of the day Mr Hamill is not guilty of any wrongdoing, I don't believe he's
demonstrated sufficient administrative wisdom and ability to continue to hold the office of
Treasurer," Mr Borbidge told reporters outside parliament house.

"It is now time for Mr Hamill to accept that he's damaged goods."

Navari is one of two companies banned from being involved in Queensland's first Internet
casino because of links with Labor MP Bill D'Arcy, former MP Don Livingstone and Ipswich City
Councillor Paul Pisasale.

Mr Borbidge said the new lease conditions approved by Mr Hamill would have created
substantial profits for Navari.

He said a suspicious pattern was emerging, raising questions about how many other deals
done between 1994 and 1999 benefited Labor figures.

"This government will continue to bleed and continue to haemorrhage until such time as Mr
Hamill is dismissed," Mr Borbidge said.

Premier Peter Beattie said his support for Mr Hamill remained unchanged and the
opposition's latest call was nothing but "silly games".

"These matters are now before a full inquiry," he said outside parliament.

"We've had enough theatre about this from the opposition, and indeed from the media."

AAP bja/sd/kr

KEYWORD: NET CASINO NIGHTLEAD

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