Shot Aussie could 'bring down' MPs

There has been speculation that the murder of Sydney businessman Michael McGurk may be linked to revelations of bribes involving state and federal Labour politicians he said he had on tape reports The Australian.

McGurk (45) was shot dead outside his home in Cremorne, on Sydney's north shore, about 6.30pm (AEST) on Thursday in front of his young son.

McGurk was also allegedly had millions of dollars worth of debt at the time of his death and had gone to a millionaire property developer for a loan to avoid losing his home Fairfax has reported.

Furthermore, Sydney Morning Herald journalist Vanda Carson claims McGurk was involved in providing prostitutes to high-profile people. "We understand he had a sports marketing business and he used that as a front to arrange prostitutes for high-profile men, including sports players," she told the Nine Network.

A man believed to be McGurk went into Parliament last Tuesday and was overheard having a discussion with parliamentary staff, and claiming to have information that could bring down two ministers say The Australian.

The online newspaper site reports that detectives investigating the murder of McGurk have given a tape allegedly made by McGurk, which contains claims of corruption against New South Wales MPs and public officials, to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell has called for the ICAC to investigate the claims of corruption, saying it was important that the public had confidence in the ICAC's ability to carry out its duties.

"My concern is that in recent times ICAC's inner-spring has wound down, particularly when it comes to issues of state government corruption," he told Network Ten on Sunday.

O'Farrell also said he was disappointed state Attorney-General John Hatzistergos appeared to have rejected calls for an ICAC investigation.

- NZ HERALD STAFF