WA premier denies censorship over PM event
The West Australian government scuppered the venue booking for a Labor fundraiser featuring Prime Minister Julia Gillard, but claims it was not political censorship.
A new venue was secured after a booking at John Curtin College of the Arts in Fremantle was withdrawn on Tuesday, angering organisers who accused the state government of forcing the public school's decision.
Proceeds from the event will go to political campaigns for Fremantle MP Melissa Parke and the WA Labor Party.
Premier Colin Barnett said his government had not indulged in political censorship, but was involved in the decision to axe the booking after it was advised the event was a political fundraiser.
Mr Barnett said the Education Department's director-general Sharon O'Neill decided it was not appropriate and advised Education Minister Peter Collier, who then checked with the premier.
They all agreed it should not proceed.
"The minister drew it to my attention, I said `that is the right decision'," Mr Barnett told ABC radio on Wednesday.
"The mistake, not intentional, was made by Melissa Parke and her staff."
Ms Parke's spokesman, Josh Wilson, conceded the organisers didn't mention it was a party fundraiser when they advised the government of the event as a courtesy.
Mr Wilson insisted they were not hiding anything.
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WA premier denies censorship over PM event