New South Wales minister Ray Williams has described allegations he received illegal property developer donations as “completely false”, and signalled possible legal action against News Corp.
News Corp alleged on Wednesday that leaked Liberal party documents suggested Williams took donations from prominent NSW developers through a local organisation.
The NSW premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has pledged to investigate the claims, saying she expected all MPs to “maintain the highest standards of integrity”.
But Williams issued a strongly worded statement on Wednesday morning, saying the allegations were completely false. He said all donations were made directly to the Liberal party’s NSW division, as required by law.
“Allegations made today regarding myself are completely false and I refute them entirely,” Williams said. “I state for the record, I have never received an illegal donation.
“All donations made on behalf of a conference I have represented have been made directly to the Liberal party of Australia, NSW division as is required by law.
“It is the responsibility of the Liberal party, NSW division to ensure all donations comply with the Expenditure and Disclosures Act.”
Williams said he welcomed an “immediate investigation” of the allegations.
“I look forward to my good name being cleared at which time I will consider my options regarding any further action I may take regarding the journalist and the Daily Telegraph,” he said.
Berejiklian said she had asked the NSW Liberal party to investigate the claims.
“I expect all MPs to maintain the highest standards of integrity and to comply with all relevant donations requirements,” Berejiklian said.
“Political donations are managed by the NSW Liberal party and I have asked the party to investigate these claims,” she said. “If any allegations of wrongdoing emerge, they will be referred to the NSW Electoral Commission.”
It is illegal in NSW to receive donations from property developers, their spouses, or other close associates. Those restrictions have been in place since 2010.
