Castle Hill MP Ray Williams to be investigated over donation allegations

EMBATTLED Castle Hill state Liberal MP Ray Williams has denied any wrongdoing as Premier Gladys Berejiklian announces an investigation into allegations he accepted illegal donations from developers.

Castle Hill state Liberal MP Ray Williams. Picture: Jess Husband.

EMBATTLED Castle Hill state Liberal MP Ray Williams has denied any wrongdoing as Premier Gladys Berejiklian announces an investigation into allegations he accepted illegal donations from developers.

The Daily Telegraph today published claims that Mr Williams had accepted numerous donations from local property developers, despite donations from developers being banned in 2010.

“Allegations made today regarding myself are completely false and I refute them entirely. I state for the record, I have never received an illegal donation,” Mr Williams said.

Ms Berejiklian said the claims will be investigated.

“I expect all MPs to maintain the highest standards of integrity and to comply with all relevant donations requirements,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Political donations are managed by the NSW Liberal Party and I have asked the Party to investigate these claims.

“If any allegations of wrongdoing emerge, they will be referred to the NSW Electoral Commission.

“The NSW Government takes the issue of political donations very seriously and has taken a number of steps in recent years to improve transparency and accountability.”

Mr Williams said he had handled all donations legally.

“All donations made on behalf of a conference I have represented have been made directly to the Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division as is required by law,” he said.

“It is the responsibility of the Liberal Party, NSW Division to ensure all donations comply with the Expenditure and Disclosures Act.

“I welcome an immediate investigation into these allegations.”