WA: PR consultant concerned about Burke's "subterfuge"

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2007
WA: PR consultant concerned about Burke's "subterfuge"

A public relations consultant has told a corruption probe .. he was concerned by an
element of subterfuge .. in disgraced former West Australian premier BRIAN BURKE's schemes
to raise campaign funds for a pro-development mayor.

The Corruption and Crime Commission is examining the funding for Cockburn Mayor STEPHEN
LEE's 2005 re-election campaign.

It's suggested it ultimately came from BURKE's client .. major property developer Australand
.. which is building a 500 million dollar marina in Cockburn.

The CCC's heard from PETER HERKENHOFF .. a former consultant for Riley Mathewson Public
Relations .. where he was in charge of an account for Port Coogee Now .. an interest group
set up to push a pro-development agenda.

Mr HERKENHOFF says he almost invariably answered to CHRIS LEWIS .. the general manager
of Australand in WA .. and also fielded advice from Mr BURKE.

Mr HERKENHOFF says he became concerned when RMPR decided to assist with Mr LEE's re-election
campaign .. believing it a conflict of interest.

He says both Mr BURKE and Mr LEWIS were heavily involved in Mr LEE's campaign .. giving
advice and organising advertising and fundraising.

And he's shown the commission an email sent in March 2005 sent to him from Mr BURKE
.. detailing a scheme to use PCN as a veil for people to contribute funds to Mr LEE.

The hearings continue.

AAP RTV ag/tm/bart

KEYWORD: BURKE (PERTH)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.