Appearing before a parliamentary inquiry in Sydney today, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp has stood by claims a confidential cabinet paper was found in his office.
Mr Crackathorp told the committee the document, which outlines a preferred light rail route along the exisiting rail corridor, was discovered by one of his staffers at the back of a filing cabinet in early December.
The office used to belong to former Liberal MP Tim Owen.
Mr Crackanthorp told the inquiry he referred the paper to the office of former Deputy Opposition Leader, John Robertson, and that he gave a copy to one of his staff members during an event in Newcastle, but couldn’t say who.
He also passed it on to the Independent Comission Against Corruption, but only after the document became public knowledge earlier this month.
Mr Crakanthorp brought in Liberal party campaign material to today’s hearing, saying other items were left in the office after he took over last year.
He says he wrote a letter to Mr Owen on December 15 asking to collect the items, but never received a response.
The committee is expected to release its findings on Tuesday week.
