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28th January 2008, 7:15 WST
Disgraced former Health Department boss Neale Fong appears set to retain his role at the helm of the WA Football Commission as it continues delicate negotiations with the State Government over a new outdoor stadium, despite a Corruption and Crime Commission report that found he knowingly misled a senior Labor minister.
The corruption watchdog report, tabled in Parliament on Friday, found that Dr Fong sought Brian Burke’s opinion on the controversial stadium negotiations during a telephone conversation on June 6, 2006. It alleges he made misrepresentations to Health Minister Jim McGinty over his relationship with Mr Burke.
According to a transcript of the intercepted call, Mr Burke described Sports Minister John Kobelke as the “worst minister in the world” for failing to make decisions after Dr Fong raised concerns that the Government was not progressing on the 60,000-seat venue.
Mr Burke advised Dr Fong, who is also the West Coast Eagles chaplain, that the football commission should consider running a campaign to improve its public image and increase awareness of the AFL’s role in developing the sport.
West Coast Eagles spokesman Gary Stocks and WAFC chief executive Wayne Bradshaw confirmed yesterday that neither organisation intended to seek Dr Fong’s resignation from his voluntary roles.
“There’s been no move or discussion to make any move or changes to the current arrangements,” Mr Bradshaw said. “The findings by the CCC are not related to football and we will be continuing on as normal.”
Mr Kobelke said Dr Fong’s role as chairman was a matter for the commission.
“At the time that this relates to, there was a reluctance by the WAFC to engage with the Government in a positive way,” Mr Kobelke said. “We have now moved on and I believe we can go forward in partnership with the WAFC and the AFL.”
Opposition Leader Troy Buswell said the football commission had to seriously consider Dr Fong’s position.
“At the end of the day it’s their responsibility as to what they do with Neale Fong and his current position,” Mr Buswell said. “Clearly there has been a breakdown in trust and confidence between the Government and Neale Fong.”
AMANDA BANKS
Fong's top football post to continue ‘as normal’ : thewest.com.au