Another West Australian senior public servant faces possible criminal charges over dealings with former premier and lobbyist Brian Burke.
The WA Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) today recommended the Director of Public Prosecutions consider laying corruption charges against the former deputy director-general of the Department of Industry and Resources, Gary Wayne Stokes.
Mr Stokes is alleged to have disclosed information to Mr Burke concerning a rezoning proposal for a 504 hectare area of land at Whitby, south of Perth, in 2006.
The land contained minerals and had been zoned for mining before its consideration for use in any other development.
The CCC said Mr Stokes appeared to have assisted Mr Burke, fellow lobbyist Julian Grill and development company Urban Pacific Limited, in seeking to have the area rezoned for residential development.
It said he did so while serving as the department's acting director-general during January and February 2006.
The CCC recommended the possible prosecution of Mr Stokes "for the offence of acting corruptly in the performance of the functions of his office so as to gain a benefit for Mr Burke, Mr Grill, Urban Pacific Limited and himself".
Independent MP John Bowler, sacked as resources minister in the former Labor government over his dealings with Mr Burke, had not opposed the land rezoning, the CCC said.
But it said there was insufficient information to establish any misconduct on his part.
Mr Bowler has said he will vote with the National Party in the new West Australian parliament, helping it maintain the balance of power in the lower house.
