Mick Murray to crackdown on sponsors after Rebels bikie boss Nick Martin linked to State-run Perth Motorplex

The Government has pledged to apply “more stringent vetting” to sponsors at its sporting facilities after it emerged a notorious bikie was linked to a Perth Motorplex drag race. Sports Minister Mick Murray intervened after an investigation by The West Australian revealed Emerald Ink Tattoo — raided by police earlier this year in relation to a Gang Crime Squad investigation — has sponsored the “Top Sportsman Bracket” for the past three years. According to company records, Rebels boss Nick Martin was previously the secretary and director of the business. His wife Amanda is now listed in both of those positions. The pair was arrested in April as part of an investigation into alleged extortion and money laundering offences. Martin appeared in Perth Magistrate’s Court on Friday where two of the charges against him — obtaining money by deception and dealing in more than $100,000 of crime-related cash — were dropped. Other charges, including two other counts of obtaining property by deception and three of demanding property with oral threats, remain. Martin was bailed to reappear in September. Mr Murray said he had directed Venues West — the Government-owned corporation that operates Perth Motorplex — to “apply a more stringent due diligence process when vetting sponsors” in future. Mentions of the Martins’ Balcatta business have been wiped from the Perth Motorplex website following questions by The West Australian. Previously, the website promoted Emerald Ink Tattoo as “one of Perth’s leading tattoo studios”. The website still describes Mrs Martin — a drag racer herself — as “one to look out for”. A WA Government spokesperson said Emerald Ink was not a current sponsor as sponsorship arrangements for the 2020-21 racing season were yet to be finalised. “The Minister’s office does not have a role in awarding of sponsorships,” the spokesperson said.