Corruption claims hit WA government

SYDNEY (AAP) - June 23 - Allegations of deceit and corruption have been cast over Western Australia's education department after two differing school funding reports were circulated.
Premier Colin Barnett labelled the situation "disturbing" and has ordered an investigation by the Public Sector Commissioner (PSC) into possible misconduct which could lead to corruption charges.
It was revealed on Wednesday that two different reports into future funding for a school for disabled children had been distributed, prompting claims by the opposition that one was doctored.
One version, sent to the Carson Street School, stated the government had an "ethical or moral responsibility" to continue funding until alternative sources could be found.
However, another which was sent to both Education Minister Liz Constable and the opposition did not contain that paragraph.
Mr Barnett said there were serious allegations surrounding the issue, and if the investigation found any evidence of misconduct it would be referred to the Corruption and Crime Commission.
"I do not know what has happened. I find it very disturbing there should be two reports in circulation," he told reporters.
Dr Constable earlier told ABC Radio the government-commissioned report sent to the Carson Street School, which runs a program for disabled children and their parents, was only the draft.
But Dr Constable could not explain why the key paragraph was not included in the final report.
The premier defended Dr Constable, saying she had received the report only after the department had made its decision on the school's funding.
"The department had (decided) the school funding may cease without even bothering to advise the minister and that disturbs me too," Mr Barnett said.
"I'm very unimpressed about how the education department has handled this issue."
Opposition education spokesman Ben Wyatt attacked the government for voting down his attempt to have the matter referred to a parliamentary committee instead of letting the PSC deal with it alone.
"When we're dealing with deceit at the highest level of government, why would we have a report that ultimately reports to the premier; it doesn't report to us as a parliament," Mr Wyatt said.
"We're talking about the potential deliberate deceit of a member of parliament."
Mr Wyatt said the report he and Dr Constable received, and was meant to be the final report, was filled with errors.
"I don't think the minister has been told the truth by her department, I don't think the minister has been told the truth by her staff," he said.
Dr Constable announced late on Thursday the government would continue funding the school at $200,000 per year.