NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has denied meeting with businessman Nick Di Girolamo over a controversial coal mine on the state's Central Coast.
Labor MPs accuse Mr O'Farrell of breaking a key election promise after the Department of Planning and Infrastructure last week recommended the Wallarah 2 coal mine be approved.
As opposition leader, Mr O'Farrell said a coalition government would oppose the mine because of concerns about its impact on drinking water catchments.
Shadow Treasurer Michael Daley on Wednesday demanded the premier explain why the mine was recommended for approval, saying there was a "stench" hanging over the project.
But Mr O'Farrell insisted the decision was made on merit and "at arm's length from government".
"These matters are decided on merit, independently by the Planning Assessment Commission," he said during question time.
Mr O'Farrell denied holding meetings about the Wallarah 2 mine with Mr Di Girolamo, who is being investigated by Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
ICAC will next month probe the links between Mr Di Girolamo and former Energy and Resources minister Chris Hartcher.
Mr Hartcher and MPs Chris Spence and Darren Webber have voluntarily withdrawn from the Liberal Party while ICAC investigates them.
Mr O'Farrell told parliament on Wednesday he was approached by Mr Di Girolamo twice for meetings but they didn't go ahead.
"I did not meet with Mr Di Girolamo about Wallarah 2," he said.
But Mr O'Farrell admitted to attending a meeting with South Korean company, Kores, which had been pushing for the mine's approval.
Mr Hartcher and Mr Di Girolamo were also at the meeting.
"Records do show that on the 28th of February during his visit to Sydney, I dropped in for five minutes to a meeting between the president of Kores Mr Shin-Jong Kim and the minister for resources and energy," Mr O'Farrell said during question time.
"I am advised that amongst the nine people present was Mr Di Girolamo.
"But I stress the fact that I dropped in to say hello to the president and to apologise for the fact that I hadn't previously been able to see him."
