WESTERN Australia’s disgraced former trade commissioner to Japan has a deadline looming to pay back the state after his $500,000-plus rort and may still face criminal charges.
A Corruption and Crime Commission report released in March revealed Craig Peacock had for many years used his position “to enrich himself” and his friends, including parliamentarians.
He “double dipped” his allowance, either obscured or falsified the names of guests on documents submitted for meals and entertainment reimbursement, and covered up a drunken crash in a work car that landed him in prison for two days.
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READ NOWControversially, he organised a bathhouse trip for two Liberal MPs and even charged the state for sending an interpreter, who racked up taxi bills scouting out the best location.
WA Attorney-General John Quigley said on Monday he was surprised police had decided to not press charges against Mr Peacock so he would seek the opinion of the Director of Public Prosecutions about the prospect of conviction.
Police later clarified they were in ongoing discussions with the State Solicitor’s Office about possible charges, saying there were “complexities with jurisdictional issues”.
Mr Peacock agreed in May to pay back the state but missed a deadline and had to ask for an extension to sell an apartment in Japan.
“If its not sold by the eighth of December, then the $500,000 settlement is all over and the State Solicitor will execute (a court judgment) against the property for $680,000,”
Mr Quigley recently told reporters.
“We intend to do everything we can to look after the taxpayer’s interests.”
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