Murder puts Rees under the gun

NSW Premier Nathan Rees is reeling from a new political crisis as police probing the Michael McGurk murder refuse to confirm the existence of a tape purportedly implicating Labor MPs in a bribery scandal.

NSW Premier Nathan Rees is reeling from a new political crisis as police probing the Michael McGurk murder refuse to confirm the existence of a tape purportedly implicating Labor MPs in a bribery scandal.

Mystery surrounding the recording comes amid claims corruption watchdog ICAC has lost its bite.

NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Dave Owens would not comment today on any aspect of the investigation into Mr McGurk's shooting murder in Cremorne, on Sydney's north shore.

Reports have raised claims McGurk possessed a tape recording of a conversation capable of bringing down the NSW government, which has been handed to police.

The tape purportedly implicates senior NSW and federal Labor MPs in bribery and corruption.
The 45-year-old father of four was gunned down in front of his young son outside his home about 6.30pm (AEST) on Thursday.

"There is a current homicide investigation which will investigate all of the circumstances of this matter,'' Mr Owens told reporters in Sydney.

"And it's appropriate that we leave it at that at this early stage.''

He said it was up to investigators to pursue every line of inquiry.

"I'm not going to jeopardise an investigation saying 'yes' or 'no' or 'this is what the tapes relate to'.

"It is a homicide investigation and that's how we deal with it.''

NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell has called from an immediate ICAC investigation, saying today the anti-corruption watchdog was too slow to act.

"The public deserve to know the truth or otherwise of these rumours,'' Mr O'Farrell said today.

He said it was important that the public had confidence in ICAC's ability to carry out its duties.

"My concern is that in recent times ICAC's inner-spring has wound down, particularly when it comes to issues of state government corruption.''

Mr Rees responded with a spirited defence of ICAC, saying calling Mr O'Farrell's comments ``a disgrace''.

"I've noted Mr O'Farrell's trashing of a great institution,'' Mr Rees said.

"(ICAC is) independent, it's served NSW very, very well over an extended period and it's one of the institutions that makes sure our state runs well.''

Mr Rees again called on anyone with information about what is alleged to be contained on the tape to call police or ICAC.