NSW Police’s Financial Crimes Squad is investigating the office of Energy Minister Angus Taylor over claims it altered an annual report by the City of Sydney.
A statement from the NSW Police force reads: “The NSW Police Force is in the early stages of investigating information into the reported creation of fraudulent documentation.
“Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad have launched Strike Force Garrad to investigate the matters and determine if any criminal offences have been committed.”
“As investigations are ongoing, no further information is available.”
Minister Taylor said the accusations against him by Labor is outrageous and he will fully co-operate with the police.
Anthony Albanese questioned Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Question Time today regarding the investigation, stating: “Prime Minister, why is he [Mr Taylor] still sitting there? When will you stand him aside?”
The Prime Minister said, “The matters that the Opposition Leader refers to have not been provided to me or been presented to me by the New South Wales Police.
“I will speak directly to the New South Wales Police force and understand the nature of what these reports are. And then, Mr Speaker, I will make the necessary assessments of that case at that time.”
Scott Morrison did in fact make a call to the NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, who is a former neighbour of the prime minister.
He has been widely criticised for making the call, with critics stating he attempted to use his position of power to influence the course of the investigation.
More to come.