"SHE claimed to have known nothing about it, but Prime Minister Julia Gillard's office was first told of the controversial foreign workers deal with billionaire miner Gina Rinehart two weeks ago, it was revealed yesterday.
Senior government sources have also confirmed the Prime Minister's policy staff ticked off on the agreement to bring in 1700 foreign workers for a mine contract, which has since infuriated unions and members of Ms Gillard's caucus.
Treasurer Wayne Swan's office was also in the loop on the offer made to Ms Rinehart before the deal was sealed."
