Gates claims her ‘experience’ vital for decisions
DONATIONS to Gold Coast deputy mayor Donna Gates’ campaign could have led to the councillor working longer days or granting access to property developer donors, the Crime and Corruption Commission heard.
Cr Gates was questioned by counsel assisting the commission Glen Rice, QC, on her almost $174,000 in donations despite not being contested for her Pimpama division.
About $80,000 of that money came from property developers, who attended her two race days held in 2014 and 2015.
Mr Rice said during her interview with CCC investigators Cr Gates spoke about how property developers might get time with her.
“I think you may have said that making a donation can open a window for an appointment with you,” Mr Rice asked.
Cr Gates told the hearing having a developer donate to her campaign might make her day start a little earlier or end later.
“I recall suggesting that I would work a little longer hours in order to meet with someone if necessary but I am very open to appointments whether they have made a contribution to my campaign or not,” she said.
Cr Gates earlier said she stayed in the room for property decisions due to her experience in the area.
“I have felt there is more benefit for my being in the room than my being outside the room where others don’t have as significant experience,” she said.
“I believe that I have been an honest and forthright representative. I don’t think there is any problem with my integrity as far as my representation is concerned regardless of any funds I may have raised.”
Mr Rice quizzed Cr Gates about why she stayed in the room to vote on the controversial Pimpama Village development when staff from the developer had attended her race day fundraisers, an issue reported in the Bulletin in August last year.
Rice: “Do you accept that even if an article of that kind is written, highlighting the conflict of interest that you declared followed by a vote by you in favour of the development, illustrates the tension between the appearance of the impartiality and donations made to your campaign by a developer?” Gates: “Possibly, yes.” Cr Gates, who listed 110 donors to her campaign, asked how she ensured she kept track of any potential conflicts of interest.
“I scrutinise the agendas to be sure that I identify any of the consultants to the industry or development industry that provided me with support,” she said.