In a high-stakes defamation trial, Western Australia’s Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti took the stand to defend herself against claims tied to a secret recording involving property developer Greg Poland. The recording allegedly shows Poland offering to “be your friend” in exchange for help with a government soil disposal issue — claims Saffioti called “extreme” and denied any connection to her. Poland, who was then deputy director of the Peel Development Commission, claims the WAtoday articles smeared his reputation as corrupt, but denies wrongdoing. Saffioti confirmed their only dealings were over leasing at Hillary’s Boat Harbour — no secret meetings or deals. She also dismissed claims she would “steamroll” a land swap, calling the soil disposal idea a “dead issue.” Meanwhile, federal MP Andrew Hastie admitted sending the recording to a journalist after receiving it from businessman Aaron Grainger — and is now also being sued by Poland for his role in the leak.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/4b15c8b022781341

Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör The Daily News Now!. Innehållet i podden är skapat av The Daily News Now! och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.