As the Bedford Group rescue plan rolls on, InDaily columnist Mike Smithson reveals a behind-the-scenes FOI document attack that has the Premier ready to strike back.

Saving Bedford from looming liquidation should be a celebration for every South Australian.

It means 1,250 supported workers and clients with a disability keep their jobs and stay close to their friends who’ve become part of their lives for decades, in many cases.

It was hard not share in the joy of hundreds of people who’d seen their lives turn upside down, but now that fear has subsided.

So, was it appropriate for the Opposition to attempt to torpedo the day’s good news with the release of Freedom of Information documents?

Just before the Premier grabbed the microphone at Bedford’s Panorama facility, the Libs were busy briefing the media, well me at least, on what they saw as a clear demonstration of “dragging the chain” on the funding rescue package.

Their later media release said FOI documents showed emergency discussions between the State Government and Bedford began in late May.

According to them, a formal request for cash was lodged on June 30 and approved on July 10 by Acting Treasurer Andrea Michaels.

Bedford went public with its problem on July 24, and the rescue package was finally unveiled on July 27 by the Premier

So, what are the Libs questioning here, and who are they accusing?

They initially questioned whether panic-stricken Bedford employees were unnecessarily kept in the dark for 17 days after the cash........

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