INVERELL Shire councillor Mal Peters told The Inverell Times today he has referred former Gunnedah mayor, Adam Marshall, to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Mr Marshall is a candidate in Saturday’s pre-selection ballot to choose the Nationals candidate for the Northern Tablelands by-election to be held next month.

Cr Peters said he referred Mr Mashall to ICAC last Friday.

“I’m not at liberty to be able to discuss what the matter concerned. It is a serious matter, that’s why it has been referred to ICAC.

“They look at matter and determine what they are going to do with them and I’m not privy to that. When you see issues that arise that aren’t correct you’re duty bound to do something about it.”

Mr Peters said he had studied the Act carefully before making his decision.

Mr Marshall was today very surprised to learn about his referral to corruption watch dog.

“This afternoon I was made aware of a spurious complaint made about me to the ICAC by Mr Mal Peters,” Mr Marshall said.

“Mr Peters has made no secret of his dislike for me and the National Party and has also seen fit in the past to try and blame me for him being defeated in the mayoral election last September at the Inverell Shire Council, this, of course is absurd.

“I’m proud of my record of public service as a mayor and a Local Government leader across the state. I reject any assertions, whatever they are, by Mr Peters against my character or actions and challenge him to state on the public record his allegations, just as I’m willing to stand by mine publicly.”

Mr Marshall questioned the timing of the complaint.

“I’m certain that it has everything to do with this Saturday’s National Party pre-selection and Mr Peter’s desire to see my record and reputation tarnished rather than anything substantive,” Mr Marshall said.

“It’s sad that institutions like ICAC are used in this crass way for overtly political purposes.”

The Northern Tablelands by-election will be held on Saturday, May 25.