简体中文
The head of Victoria's Adult Parole Board is under extreme pressure to resign, after investigations revealed he offered clandestine legal advice to a Melbourne crime boss.
Fairfax Media reported on Friday that Bill Gillard gave advice to alleged underworld figure Tony Madafferi on how to fight a decision which prevented him from entering Crown Casino and all Victorian racecourses.
Madafferi was banned from the Melbourne-based casino by then- chief police commissioner Ken Lay in 2014.
After receiving advice from Gillard, Madafferi presented the justice department senior staffer with a food hamper as thanks for the guidance, according to The Melbourne Age newspaper.
Gillard refused to answer questions on the matter over the phone, but confirmed to The Age in a text message that he "on a few occasions provided assistance and legal advice ... to a person involved in a legal dispute."
The Age reported that Victoria's Corrections Minister Wade Noonan has demanded an explanation from Gillard, and has also sought advice on how to deal with the "gross misjudgment."
In a statement released on Thursday evening, Noonan said his team was working hard to uncover the facts.
"I am very concerned about these matters and have asked the secretary of my department to investigate and report back to me as a matter of urgency," he said.
Madafferi attempted to obtain an injunction against the revelations being printed, as it could have implications in legal proceedings involving himself, however the story was published in Fairfax newspapers on Friday.
Madafferi has never been criminally convicted despite his suspected involvement in mafia-led activities - including two murders - in the 1990s.
He has always vehemently denied any involvement in criminal activity.
