source: abc news

Perth Freight Link: WA Government defends withholding project documents from Senate

Photo: Dean Nalder says the Government cannot release the documents because it is protecting commercial-in-confidence information. (ABC News: Andrew O'Connor)

The Western Australian Government has defended its decision to withhold documents on the Perth Freight Link project from the Senate.

The Senate had sought to table the Government's business case for the $1.6 billion road project, which has come up against strong opposition from residents and environmental groups.

The Barnett Government has refused to hand them over, leading to accusations from the State Opposition that it has something to hide.

But Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the Government was protecting commercial-in-confidence information and was simply following proper process.

"The response that we're providing is no different than the response that Alannah MacTiernan provided when being questioned about the Mandurah rail line," he said.

"When it comes to commercial-in-confidence information, and we are in the process of contract negotiations, we don't release that."

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