Nuttall named in new loan claims

ANOTHER Queensland businessman will be interviewed by anti-corruption investigators over claims former Labor minister Gordon Nuttall asked him for a $300,000 loan and was prepared to approach others to get such funds.

ANOTHER Queensland businessman will be interviewed by anti-corruption investigators over claims former Labor minister Gordon Nuttall asked him for a $300,000 loan and was prepared to approach others to get such funds.

A day after Macarthur Coal boss Ken Talbot stood aside, following The Australian's revelation that he gave Mr Nuttall a $300,000 loan, the state's Crime and Misconduct Commission sought an interview yesterday with former Sunshine Coast developer Doug Jewry over claims he had also been approached.

"Gordon Nuttall did contact me," Mr Jewry said. "We had a discussion about that money - 300 grand - in 1995."

Mr Nuttall, while defending his financial arrangement with Mr Talbot, has rejected Mr Jewry's claims.

The CMC has been investigating Mr Nuttall's handling of the industrial relations, health and primary industries portfolios, and has sought to determine whether those who lent him money received any political benefit.

Mr Jewry did not provide any funds to Mr Nuttall, but said the then minister was prepared to ask others for money.

"He wanted the money for a beautiful old Queenslander (house) out at Sandgate," Mr Jewry said.

"I have to be fair to him and add that he didn't promise any favours in return, he just wanted the loan. He didn't have enough money to buy it himself."

But last year, Mr Jewry was angered by Mr Nuttall's inability to assist him in a dispute over a controversial Sunshine Coast property development by another developer. The Planning and Environment Court in a judgment in October last year criticised Mr Jewry and ordered him to pay costs to the developer, Juniper Corporation. Judge Skoien found Mr Jewry's proceedings were frivolous.

"It was also vexatious in that it produced serious and unjustified trouble and harassment," Judge Skoien ruled.

The CMC is investigating a $200,000 loan from another Sunshine Coast developer, Bruce McDiarmid, which allowed Mr Nuttall to purchase the Sandgate house in 1995.

Mr Nuttall has said he has repaid the McDiarmid loan with interest, but not the Talbot loan. He declared neither transaction in the parliament's pecuniary interests register.

Acting Queensland Premier Anna Bligh yesterday encouraged Labor MPs to report to the CMC any information they had about Mr Nuttall and loans not declared. Ms Bligh made a similar plea to members of the public.

"I have already sent a memo out to all members of the Labor caucus saying if they are in possession of any information that will assist the CMC they should come forward," she said.

"I am not aware of anyone doing that at this stage. But I have certainly made it clear to our own caucus that they should be co-operating. If there are members of the public who should be co-operating, they should come forward too."

Ms Bligh said the Government welcomed the investigation. "We are determined to get to the bottom of it," she said.

"We believe it's important for people's confidence in the process of government that the CMC conduct the most rigorous possible investigation."

Mr Nuttall, who retired at the last election, has denied any wrongdoing and has previously condemned the CMC over its investigations.