MPs given script for Deputy Premier Kim Hames accommodation claims scandal MPs were sent scripts on how to deal with questions about Deputy Premier Kim Hames' accommodation claims errors. DUMPED tourism minister Kim Hames is a "very loyal" and "wise" member of the Barnett Government leadership team who "let himself down" by falsely claiming accommodation allowances, according to a PR script created for Liberal MPs to use if asked about his demotion. The spin cheat sheet, emailed to MPs on Monday by Premier Colin Barnett's media gurus, tells them to refer to the disgraced minister as an "effective" tourism minister who had made an "impressive impact" in the portfolio during his reign. The script also advises politicians to stress that there was a silver lining to the demotion as Dr Hames would now be able to "concentrate" on his other portfolio health. Meanwhile, the Barnett Government "has been a stable, honest and determined" team. The script said politicians should say: "We have always striven to maintain the highest standards of accountability and ethical standards." Under the heading, "Dr Hames background in tourism," it said: "Kim Hames has made an impressive impact in the tourism portfolio. He has ensured events get the funding they deserved. On his watch there has been millions of dollars of additional funding pumped into a whole new range of unique WA events. Under the heading, "Points for local members," the document said: "Kim Hames has been a very loyal and effective minister, but he admits he has let himself down by not meeting the standards the Premier has set for our government. The Premier said Dr Hames has been a wise deputy, and a key member of our leadership group which makes today's decision all the more difficult and disappointing. This Government has set the bar very high for all members in terms of ethical and accountable behaviour. The Premier has consistently insisted on the highest levels of propriety. In this instance, by Minister Hames's own admission, he hasn't met those standards. Under the heading "Dr Hames to concentrate on Health," it said: "The Government has undertaken an unprecedented building and refurbishment program, with $7 billion allocated to hospital projects. Dr Hames has ensured a record investment in the health budget. A Liberal source told The Sunday Times the leaked email had been sent to MPs to "tell them what to say to the public." The Government yesterday confirmed it had sent the email to its MPs, but claimed it "simply outlines the facts of the issue, rather than MPs having to rely on media reports." "It does not, in any way, purport to tell MPs what to say," a spokesman for the Premier said. Opposition Leader Mark McGowan yesterday called for an independent inquiry into the allowances scandal. Dr Hames admitted to The Sunday Times last weekend that there were four occasions when he falsely claimed accommodation allowances including claiming $1013 for staying in Perth when he was overseas, interstate or in the north. Mr Barnett sacked him as tourism minister on Monday, but allowed him to keep the health portfolio and remain as Deputy Premier. The email, sent to Liberal MPs on Monday, also alludes to "one or two" further instances of Dr Hames falsely claiming accommodation allowances. Yesterday, Dr Hames admitted to The Sunday Times he claimed a further $240 for being in Perth when in truth he was in Kalgoorlie on March 25, 2009. "The review of my claims is still under way," he said. However, other errors, including the claim made on March 25, 2009, have been identified and will be included in a public statement I will release when the review is finalised. This statement will also provide the full amount of what I will refund. Points for local members: Kim Hames has been a very loyal and effective Minister, but he admits has let himself down by not meeting the standards the Premier has set for our government - The Premier said Dr Hames has been a wise deputy, and a key member of our leadership group... which makes today's decision all the more difficult and disappointing. - This Government has set the bar very high for all members in terms of ethical and accountable behaviour. - The Premier has consistently insisted on the highest levels of proprietary ... in this instance, by Minister Hames's own admission, he hasn't met those standards. - Dr Hames has advised there may be one or two further instances but he and his office are continuing to scrutinise and review all his claims to double check that there are not any further errors Background: This has been a stable, honest and determined government. - We have always striven to maintain the highest standards of accountability and ethical standards - November 2010 - Colin Barnett tells Parliament the imprest system (introduced 1980) will be retained but modernised to tighten up eligibility for the scheme - August 2013 - a general determination from the SAT is due - Premier has now undertaken to do a review of the living away from home allowance which allows members to claim for nights they must spend away from their electorate in order to attend to parliamentary business in Perth.