The chairman of Vitab, Dan Kolomanski, accused the Liberal Party at the Vitab inquiry yesterday of making false and outrageous accusations under parliamentary privilege.
Professor Pearce is inquiring into the contract with the Vanuatu-based Vitab and ACTTAB under which ACTTAB gave computer access to the multi-state super-pool and other services in return for a percentage of turnover, enabling Vitab to run phone and other betting on Australian races. He is also inquiring into why the Victorian TAB terminated it super-pool arrangements with the ACT.
The contract led to a successful Assembly no-confidence motion against Sports Minister Wayne Berry last month, causing him to resign. During that debate Liberal MLAs accused Vitab principals of having connections with illegal SP book-makers.
Mr Kolomanski, without naming the Liberals, told the inquiry, “”Vitab and its officers have been the subject of false and outrageous accusations made largely under parliamentary privilege.
“”The directors of Vitab have been the subject of extensive Australian Federal Police checks. These checks have raised no concerns whatsoever regarding the probity of the directors and officers of Vitab.”
Vitab had entered its agreement with ACTTAB in good faith and had not breached it. It had been creating a new betting market in Asia. Vitab was confident its good name and reputation would be vindicated.
After Mr Kolomanski’s statement, Professor Pearce closed the inquiry to the public to hear his evidence and the evidence of fellow Vitab director Cornelius McMahon.
Mr Berry, the Leader of the Opposition, Kate Carnell, and her deputy, Tony de Domenico, will appear today (MAY10). Vitab shareholder and former Prime Minister Bob Hawke will appear on Friday (MAY13). Mr Hawke’s evidence will be taken in private.