Barnett wants inquiry into private poll

A furious WA Premier Colin Barnett will ask the public sector watchdog to investigate a group of wealthy Perth businessmen, including John Poynton, who funded a controversial poll showing he would lose the next election.

"I am concerned about individuals in business, prominent businesspeople, seeking to interfere or influence decisions of government," he told reporters on Thursday.

He also said that if rumoured leadership aspirant Transport Minister Dean Nalder was implicated, then it was a serious issue.