Laurie Connell
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Laurie Connell (1946 - 27 February 1996) was a Western Australian business entrepreneur well known for his dealings with the Government of Western Australia and his close relationship with the then Premier of Western Australia, Brian Burke during the WA Inc period in the mid to late 1980's.
Connell was also a horse racing enthusiast.
[edit] Danny Hobby
At the January 1983 AHA Cup in Bunbury, jockey Danny Hobby jumped from his mount Strike Softly. Hobby later claimed he jumped after accepting a bribe of $5,000 to do so from Connell.
Almost a decade later, it was alleged that Hobby was paid over $1 million by Connell to travel around the world for several years to avoid returning to Australia. Ultimately Hobby did return. Connell was tried and sentenced to five years jail conspiracy to pervert the course of justice during the investigation into the horse race. He was however found not guilty of fixing the horse race. Connell served one year before being released on work release. Hobby received a three year jail term.
[edit] Rocket Racer
In the 1987 two-mile Perth Cup, Connell's horse Rocket Racer ridden by jockey J. J. Miller won the race by nine lengths and couldn't be pulled up, doing nearly another lap of the course. Connell had backed the horse at long odds down to a 2/1 favourite. The horse's performance and subsequent collapse and death a few weeks later was never fully investigated or explained.
[edit] Rothwells
During the 1980s Connell started acquiring numerous local businesses through aggressive takeovers before setting himself up deposit taker for investors under the name of Rothwells Merchant Bank. In October 1997, immediately after the 1987 stock market crash, there was a run on the bank from local investors. Connell put together a rescue package involving numerous Australian businessmen and approached the Premier, Brian Burke who provided a $150M government guarantee to provide short term relief.
Rothwells ultimately went into liquidation, causing heavy losses to the government and Rothwells investors.
The political fallout from the collapse as well as other government dealings in the period prompted Premier Carmen Lawrence to call for an enquiry in November 1990. The enquiry became known as the WA Inc royal commission.
