The Cook Government is facing scrutiny after awarding a $5 million contract to Eastside Concrete for the construction of a new drag strip at the Perth Motorplex. This contract has raised concerns due to Eastside’s connections with Benjamin David Ortin, a senior member of the Coffin Cheater motorcycle club. The tender for the drag strip is the latest in a series of taxpayer-funded contracts awarded to the company, which has been linked to Ortin through his previous role as a director of Eastside’s parent company, Nitro Works.
Eastside Concrete has established itself as a significant player in the construction industry over the past two decades, expanding its services beyond traditional concreting to include machinery and earthworks, steel fabrication, and fencing. The company has previously secured contracts with major clients, including BHP and the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution project. Notably, in 2020, Eastside was awarded a $4.7 million contract to build footpaths in the City of Swan.
As the controversy unfolds, the WA Government is working to assess how taxpayer funds are being allocated to a company associated with an outlaw motorcycle gang member. Rita Saffioti, the Minister for Sport and Recreation, deferred questions regarding the contract to VenuesWest, the organization that manages government-owned sports venues. A spokesperson for VenuesWest stated, “As part of our procurement process, successful tenderers must declare that their senior officers have not been convicted of a criminal offense or involved with criminal organisations.” They emphasized that there was no prior information indicating Ortin’s links to criminal organizations.
The Motorplex contract represents one of Eastside’s most high-profile projects to date. The venue has a notorious history linked to Western Australia’s underworld, including the 2020 assassination of Rebels chief Nick Martin. Additionally, the venue was the site of a violent altercation in 2010 between the Coffin Cheaters and the Finks motorcycle gang, which involved Ortin.
Ortin’s history includes several run-ins with law enforcement. In the past, he was summoned to provide testimony to the Corruption and Crime Commission regarding gang-related activities but was charged with failing to cooperate. In 2001, he was involved in a physical altercation with off-duty police officers, which ultimately did not lead to a conviction.
The Perth Motorplex announced that construction on the new drag strip is set to commence in January 2024, aiming for completion in time for the 2026-27 drag racing season. The project is expected to enhance the Motorplex’s status as a premier venue for motorsport in Western Australia.
Despite the backlash, the State Opposition has previously questioned the government about Ortin’s involvement with successful tenders. In response, David Michael, the Finance Minister, asserted that the Department of Finance had not awarded contracts to companies associated with Ortin during the specified period.
As investigations continue, the Cook Government’s handling of the situation remains under close observation, particularly how public funds are being used in relation to contracts linked to individuals with controversial backgrounds.
