Tim Owen has done an about face in the ICAC this morning admitting developers contributed to his 2011 state election campaign.
The Liberal Member for Newcastle told the ICAC that a bevy a developers and business people contributed to his successful election campaign.
They included Jeff McCloy, Nathan Tinkler’s Buildev, Keith Stronach, Bill Saddington and Hilton Grugeon.
The admission comes after Mr Owen denied any knowledge of “funding irregularities” in his campaign, in May this year. Mr Owen last week stood down from the Liberal Party and has previously said he won’t recontest the next election.
Mr Owen also told the ICAC, he was allegedly asked by Newcastle property developer Keith Stronach if it would be possible to contribute to his campaign, to which Mr Owen replied “as long as it’s legal.”
There have been more additions to the ICAC witness list. Member for Maitland Robyn Parker, business people Rolly De With, Paul Murphy, Tracey McKelligott and lawyer Nick Dan will all appear on Friday.
