The state opposition has accused Premier Colin Barnett of misleading parliament by not releasing hundreds of documents relating to contact with Queensland mining magnate Clive Palmer.
The state opposition has accused Premier Colin Barnett of misleading parliament by not releasing hundreds of documents relating to contact with Queensland mining magnate Clive Palmer.
The state opposition has accused Premier Colin Barnett of misleading parliament by not releasing hundreds of documents relating to contact with Queensland mining magnate Clive Palmer.
Mr Barnett told parliament he would released all the documentation relating to correspondence with Mr Palmer on September 16.
He released eight letters.
Opposition Regional Development spokesman Mark McGowan said a Freedom of Information application uncovered 420 documents relating to Mr Palmer.
"These included direct correspondence and emails between the Premier and Mr Palmer and emails, briefing notes, correspondence and file notes interchanged between Mr Palmer and the Premier's office," said Mr McGowan.
"If he (Mr Barnett) has nothing to hide, he must released all documents identified in Labor's FOI application."
In September, Mr McGowan was critical of Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls over his dealings with Mr Palmer.
Mr McGowan questioned why the Barnett government let Mr Palmer's company Mineralogy off a $45 million bond for an iron ore project in the Pilbara.
The mining boss has been a long-time supporter and financial backer of the ruling Liberals and Nationals.
Mr McGowan said now Mr Barnett must come clean on his dealings Mr Palmer and release the majority of documents available.
Mr Barnett has dismissed the accusations and said the 420 documents were every bit of correspondence that contained the words `Clive Palmer' or his company `Mineralogy'.
"Now this is an active government. I don't shut my door and not talk to people," he said.
"The amount of correspondence on a major project under construction in which Mineralogy is a participant ... there is correspondence backwards and forward every day.
"On leases, on approvals, on whatever else. I haven't spoken to Clive Palmer in months, perhaps even a year, so there's not any direct link."
Mr Barnett said he has handed over all information to the opposition relating to correspondence regarding the environmental bond.
"If the opposition thinks something is amiss then I suggest they need to actually produce something they're concerned about, because it's day-to-day business of government," he said.