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Corruption, Property Development and Local Councils

Wednesday, 1st March, 2006 - Graham John Burkett (see the story below) was sentenced to 14 months jail for being paid secret kickbacks while a senior ministerial adviser to the West Australian Government.

Sunday, 12th February, 2006 - Graham John Burkett , a WA Labor MP from 1983 to 1989 and a former councillor with the Town of Cambridge, pleaded guilty in the Perth District Court this week to four charges of corruption and three charges laid under the Local Government Act. The Australian reported that Burkett admitted using his influence and contacts as chief of staff to then Housing and Works Minister Nick Griffith to fast-track approvals and other administrative processes for childcare centre developer Land Alliance. Burkett received $12,000 from Land Alliance and failed to reveal his payments as a consultant. Burkett also admitted failing to disclose a gift of $10,000 from another developer and failing to declare an interest when voting in Cambridge council meetings on items relating to the developer. Sentencing will be at the end of the month.

Friday, 10th February, 2006 - Adam Spagnolo, a former mayor of the City of Stirling in WA, pleaded guilty yesterday and was fine $27,000 for vote-rigging in a local council election in 2003. Mr Spagnolo helped campaign for Police and Justice Minister John D'Orazio in 2001.

An update on the subject. See also Misdeeds and Misdemeanours