FED: Brough hits back at criticism of his business dealings

AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-2008
FED: Brough hits back at criticism of his business dealings

Former indigenous affairs minister MAL BROUGH has denied any suggestion of impropriety
in his business dealings with Aboriginal communities.

Mr BROUGH .. who lost his Queensland seat of Longman at the November federal election
.. has been working with partners on business projects in a number of Aboriginal communities
.. including in Nguiu in the Tiwi Islands.

Nguiu was the only community during Mr BROUGH'S time as minister to give up control
of their land for 99 years under a controversial lease scheme.

Calling for more scrutiny of Mr BROUGH'S actions .. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Social Justice Commissioner TOM CALMA has told Network Ten he's concerned about any minister
who tries to take advantage of indigenous people.

Mr BROUGH says Mr CALMA'S comments are "disgusting and ill-founded".

Without going into details .. he says he and his partners are investing massive sums
of money in the hope they'll provide jobs for local people and better their lives.

AAP RTV ag/jmt

KEYWORD: BROUGH (CANBERRA)

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