Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp will front a parliamentary committee on Friday to explain how he came to possess a confidential state government cabinet document related to the CBD rail cut.
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Mr Crakanthorp came under fire earlier this week for not appearing before the parliamentary inquiry into Newcastle and Hunter planning decisions on Monday to explain, under oath, how and when one of his staffers found the confidential document in the Hunter Street electoral office.
He said a staff member had found the cabinet paper in the back of a filing cabinet left in the office by his predecessor, former Liberal MP Tim Owen.
Mr Owen told the inquiry on Monday that he could not recall ever seeing the document.
The cabinet paper shows that the state government ignored expert advice from Transport for NSW for the best route for a light rail network into the city.
The government instead chose a different option that would cost an estimated $100 million more but allow more development opportunities along the heavy rail corridor.
Critics questioned Mr Crakanthorp’s claim after he refused an invitation from the inquiry to give evidence at a previously unplanned hearing on Monday.
But on Wednesday he agreed to give evidence at the committee’s next hearing on Friday.
