Prepare to be primed ... David Murray. Photo: Nic Walker
A SCRIPT of ''media key messages'' was prepared for the respected businessman David Murray in his role as independent chairman of a committee advising the state government on the benefits to NSW of issuing a casino licence to James Packer.
The embarrassing revelation, contained in documents released under freedom-of-information laws, risks undermining assurances by the Premier, Barry O'Farrell, that the assessment process is being conducted at arm's length from the government.
When Mr O'Farrell announced the appointment of Mr Murray, a former Future Fund chairman, on November 3 he said it would ''give the community confidence in the process and probity of the consideration of the Crown proposal''.
Packer's proposed 6 star hotel and casino site in Central Barangaroo.
The appointment followed criticism of how the government was handling Mr Packer's proposal for a $1 billion hotel complex at Barangaroo, including the decision not to go to tender if a casino licence was issued.
But documents reveal that on October 31 a deputy director-general in Mr O'Farrell's department, Simon Smith, oversaw finalisation of the ''key messages'' document for whoever would be appointed to Mr Murray's role.
It suggests that a range of ''positive'' answers should be given to ''negatively framed'' questions from the media about the Crown proposal and that the chairman should defend many of the government's decisions.
One expected question is: ''There are numerous casino operators who would love to have a casino licence in Sydney - what's so special about Crown and why not an open tender?''
The suggested response plays down the significance of a casino licence in favour of discussing the government's policy to double tourism in NSW by 2020: ''One way to achieve this is to have more luxury hotel beds built in Sydney - the casino issue is incidental.''
The document also suggests the person appointed to the role of chairman should defend the government's decision to deal exclusively with Crown.
''Lend Lease has already won the right to develop the hotel in Barangaroo through an open tender, and their agreement with Crown to now build it means that there is no one else the government can talk to about accelerating hotel construction at that site,'' is the suggested response.
Another scripted question addresses harm from a second casino: ''Won't this just create another opportunity for problem gambling to ruin lives and families?''
The suggested answer: ''The government has ruled out poker machines, and is considering a VIP-only gaming facility. The key market for this facility will be high roller tourists. Growth in the number of wealthy Asian tourists is expected to continue and I'm advised that a VIP gaming facility will be a significant drawcard for them and their families to visit Sydney.''
The Premier's office referred inquiries about the ''key messages'' document to the department. A spokesman said that despite it being prepared three days before his appointment, the document was not provided to Mr Murray.
''The Department of Premier and Cabinet commenced drafting a number of documents and briefing materials in preparation for the appointment of an independent chair of the assessment panel,'' he said. ''The department did not complete the draft material relating to potential media questions and this was never provided to Mr Murray.''
Mr Murray did not respond to a request for comment.
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