Luke Foley says debate on bill should be suspended until John Barilaro cleared of conflict of interest

The New South Wales opposition is calling for an investigation into allegations the deputy premier failed to disclose a relationship with a political donor who could benefit from a controversial policy to protect feral horses.

The Labor leader, Luke Foley, wants parliamentary debate on a bill to ban the culling of brumbies in Kosciuszko national park suspended until the Nationals leader, John Barilaro, is cleared of any conflict of interest.



He used question time on Tuesday to ask the government if Barilaro had disclosed “significant” political donations from the owner of a horse trekking business in the Snowy Mountains, Peter Cochran.

NSW brumby plan described as an 'attack' on national parks laws Read more

Foley also questioned what role Cochran had in drafting the legislation.



The opposition claims Cochran, the former member for Barilaro’s seat of Monaro, has donated more than $10,000 to Barilaro’s campaigns.

“Until a full investigation has been completed it would be appropriate to suspend the parliament’s consideration of the bill,” he said in a statement.

The premier, Gladys Berejiklian, labelled the accusations “grubby” and the questions inappropriate. She told parliament everything relating to the bill was “above board”.

“The government made its decision based on facts, based on community views,” she said.

Barilaro, who introduced the legislation in May, insisted the proposal went through proper government processes.

