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EXCLUSIVE

A SENIOR executive at James Packer's Crown Limited was allowed to rewrite a media release before it was issued by the Premier, Barry O'Farrell, announcing initial government backing of the company's plans for a $1 billion hotel and casino at Barangaroo.

The chief executive of Crown, Rowen Craigie, was emailed a draft media release by the head of Mr O'Farrell's department, Chris Eccles, on October 24, the night before Mr O'Farrell publicly announced Crown's proposal would move to the next stage of the government's assessment process.

Documents released under freedom of information reveal Mr Craigie suggested a number of changes, including to the section dealing with the likelihood of Crown being awarded a casino licence and a description of how the government would further assess the plan.

Barry O'Farrell's media release supported Crown Casino's plans. Photo: Rob Homer

Most, but not all, of Mr Craigie's handwritten changes on the draft were incorporated into the media release issued by Mr O'Farrell the next day.

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These included altering the statement that the cabinet decision ''did not guarantee'' Crown a casino licence, which was changed to the weaker assertion that it ''did not necessarily guarantee'' one would be issued.

As well, the draft stated that the announcement ''merely meant the decision would be examined in detail''.

Ammendments ... Crown Limited Chief Executive Officer, Rowen Craigie. Photo: Jesse Marlow

Original post:
Packer's man has last word