Soorley: Carpark cash was ‘merely reno advice payment’

In a five-page legal letter, former Brisbane lord mayor Jim Soorley has rejected claims of illegal lobbying, instead saying the money he was handed in a carpark was simply for advice.

Former Brisbane lord mayor Jim Soorley has rejected claims of illegal lobbying, insisting $2500 he was paid in a carpark by a restaurateur was simply for advice.

In a five-page legal letter, Mr Soorley has hit back at former Wilson Boathouse owner Neil Jedid who has taken out court action to reclaim the cash after his lease over state-owned land was not renewed.

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The legal spat has sparked referrals to the Crime and Corruption Commission.

In the letter provided to The Courier-Mail, Mr Soorley’s lawyers denied Mr Jedid’s claim that he showed him a Wikipedia entry that purportedly stated he was a registered lobbyist in Queensland.

Mr Soorley’s legal letter said he provided advice to Mr Jedid that he should not proceed with planned renovations because of the precarious position over the lease but he proceeded anyway.

“Mr Soorley denies any insinuations, allegations and commentary to the contrary and again states that (accusations) are being made in a malicious and misguided attempt to embarrass him and discredit his character,” it states.

Originally published as Soorley: Carpark cash was ‘merely reno advice payment’