New environmental watchdog boss lifts lid on WA Labor’s cash-for-access forums

The incoming head of the state’s environmental watchdog has lifted the veil on why businesses pay thousands to be a part of Labor’s “Business Roundtable” cash-for-access forum while defending his former employer’s participation in it.

Greens MLC Brad Pettitt fumed at yesterday’s announcement that Environmental Protection Authority board member Darren Walsh would be elevated to chair, saying his past employment with a property developer and ties to property lobbyists would further undermine “public confidence in the independence of WA’s environmental watchdog.”

Greens MP Brad Pettitt.Credit: City of Fremantle/Facebook

Pettitt said Walsh’s past employment at Satterley Property Group, his connections to property lobbyists the Urban Development Institute and his senior leadership role at environmental consulting company JBS&G should have been a red flag for the agency.

In particular, Pettitt took aim at JBS&G’s $30,000 worth of donations made to WA Labor from 2021 to 2023 when Walsh was a WA-based director of the consultancy.

“The fact that JBS&G made donations totalling more than $30,000 to the WA Labor party at a time when the new chair was still working for them in a senior role does not pass the pub test and must be urgently investigated,” he told this masthead.

JBS&G viewed the Labor Business Roundtable as a brand exposure opportunity

Darren Walsh

Pettitt and groups like Transparency International have long criticised Labor and the Liberals’ cash-for-access forums for giving businesses unfair influence on decision-makers.

In defending his independence and suitability for the new role and JBS&G’s donations Walsh revealed why many WA businesses like Labor’s Business Roundtable.

“During my time as executive director of JBS&G we sponsored many events. Like all of these, JBS&G viewed the Labor Business Roundtable as a brand exposure opportunity for the consultancy,” he said.

“This was not a political donation, merely a marketing tool used by many in the Perth business community seeking exposure to the corporate sector.”

Walsh said based on this sponsorship he recalls attending two business roundtable forums as JBS&G’s representative and said any future role on the EPA was never discussed or raised.

Walsh was appointed to the EPA board in November 2023.

He said the opportunity to join the EPA came after his decision to exit JBS&G and that all financial and business ties with the company were concluded before his first EPA board meeting on February 1 this year.

With JBS&G regularly helping clients with EPA approvals Walsh said procedures were in place to manage conflicts.

“This will continue when I take up the role of EPA Chair on 14 October 2024,” he said.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby said it was disappointing to see Pettitt undermining the independence of the EPA with attacks on Walsh’s integrity.

“Darren Walsh was appointed Chair of the EPA following extensive consideration. His qualifications are unquestionable,” he said.

“He holds a master’s degree in environmental science, was previously an independent appeals convenor to the Environment Minister, and has experience with environmental assessments, approvals, and planning through his time in the private sector.

“His leadership will complement the board’s existing expertise, which includes individuals with experience in environmental law, governance, and conservation management.”

Whitby said like every other board member Walsh was expected to adhere to the EPA’s code of conduct and declare any conflicts as they arise.

“He resigned his position at JBS&G as soon as he knew he was joining the EPA, and his appointment was never discussed with me at a political fundraiser.”

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