REMEMBER WHEN

THE massive Seagulls Leagues Club at Tweed Heads was accused in State Parliament of being involved in criminal activities and a senior executive named as the owner of a ‘haven for underage drinkers’.

The allegations were made by the National Party member for Currumbin, Leo Gately, in his maiden speech to the House.

In a stinging address, Mr Gately referred to an inquiry into the stabbing of a person at Rainbow Bay — an issue which he said was in the hands of Police Minister and Deputy Premier Bill Gunn.

He described the stabbing as the culmination of a matter emanating from the leagues club.

“This inquiry has highlighted other criminal activities at Seagulls Leagues Club and the employment of a criminal at Greenmount Resort,” he said.

He levelled charges against a business he said was owned by a senior member of the club.

The man was the owner of a club in Coolangatta which was ‘a haven for underage drinkers’ according to Mr Gately.

“And this club I believe should have its licence cancelled or at least suspended for a period long enough for the operator to understand our government will no longer tolerate such practices.”

A former NSW police officer and former ALP member, Mr Gately told parliament that corruption and criminal activity involving drugs had penetrated the law enforcement agency as well as the state government.

He said the ‘cancerous tentacles’ had also extended into clubs in NSW through poker machines and illegal activities including SP betting and the sale of stolen property.