NSW: No conflict of interest: Wilton
SYDNEY, Dec 19 AAP - Max Moore-Wilton today denied there would be any conflict of interestwhen he began work as chief executive of Sydney Airports Corporation Ltd (SACL) afterresigning as Australia's top public servant.
Mr Moore-Wilton has quit as secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet,a post he held when the federal government decided six months ago to privatise SACL.
His move to SACL has drawn a barrage of criticism.
Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese said people should have serious questions aboutthe appointment of the Prime Minister's chief political adviser to SACL.
And the NSW Greens have demanded the introduction of a cooling off period between MPsand senior public servants leaving the public service and joining the private sector.
"Mr Max Moore-Wilton, as secretary to the Prime Minister's department, would have beenprivy to any decision about the future of Sydney Airport," NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannontold ABC Radio.
"For him now to move in, within one day, into the key position in that corporationis absolutely unacceptable."
But Mr Moore-Wilton today said there was no conflict.
"I took no role in the sale of Sydney Airport, no role at all," he said.
"The Prime Minister sought to satisfy himself, both by seeking from the Departmentof Finance and Administration which conducted the sale process for Sydney Airport, asto whether I sought to involve myself in that sale, or expressed a view.
"I understand he has been advised by the secretary of that department that in no waydid I seek to either influence or to access detailed information regarding that sale."
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KEYWORD: WILTON DAYLEAD
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