REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Monday August 15, 2005

CRIME and Misconduct Commission investigators served papers on members of the council bloc, demanding details of their election campaign finances and their links to developers.

Failed candidates who were backed by developers at the 2004 election, as well as rookie councillor Rob Molhoek, were also targeted by the CMC’s blitz.

Documents were served on up to 10 councillors and former candidates, asking for extensive details about election donors, bank accounts and election campaign committees.

The CMC investigators wanted statements from the group about its dealings with developers who donated to the controversial Lionel Barden Trust Fund, as well as their individual relationships with other councillors.

The CMC also requested any receipts, notes, copies of advertising and other documents associated with the March 2004 local government election.

The development came after Local Government Minister Desley Boyle warned that the entire Gold Coast City Council would be sacked if the CMC returned a finding of corruption or misconduct against even just one councillor.

Deputy Mayor David Power confirmed he met a CMC investigator before he was served with the information request. Fellow members of the council bloc – Crs Ray Hackwood, Grant Pforr,

Ted Shepherd and

Greg Betts – also confirmed they had been served.

Mayor Ron Clarke was cagey when asked whether he had been served with CMC papers.