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Media Releases |
Media Release - Department of Planning Sydney: 29 September 2009 STATEMENT FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL The Director-General of the NSW Department of Planning, Sam Haddad, said today he was disappointed and offended his name was today mentioned in connection with the death of Michael McGurk. Mr Haddad made the comments following his evidence at the parliamentary inquiry into a parcel of land in western Sydney. “The Department of Planning has cooperated fully with the inquiry, giving a detailed submission into all the events listed in the terms of reference of the inquiry,” Mr Haddad said. “We have provided comprehensive information on relevant matters in an open and transparent way. “Our submission confirms that the land in question was investigated in a way that is robust, rigorous and open to scrutiny. “Media reports that have appeared this afternoon implicitly linking meetings I have had with the murder of Mr McGurk are, in my opinion, beneath contempt. “Furthemore, as I have repeatedly said, I have never met Ron Medich or Mr McGurk. “These claims are not only offensive but seek to undermine the morale and good work of the Department. “This Department employs hard-working, dedicated people, whose workplace does not deserve to be discredited in this way. “As a public servant of 30 years standing, I am a strong believer in an independent public service, providing expert advice to the government of the day. “I have continued to serve governments of every persuasion with integrity. “It is my job, as Director-General, to ensure development is undertaken in an orderly and planned way, creating investment and jobs for the NSW economy, as well as good planning outcomes.”
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