The Victorian Labor Party led by Daniel Andrews was today, in the Australian senate, challenged to sever ties with corrupt unions and their slush funds.
Victorian-based Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie today in Question Time asked Employment Minister, Eric Abetz, about the federal government's legislation to ensure transparency to the governance of trade unions and so-called slush funds.
“The Hayden Royal Commission recently found six of Daniel Andrew's Labor candidates in this weekend's state election are beneficiaries of dirty union slush funds,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Meanwhile Labor's member for the Western Metropolitan Region, Cesar Melhem, was found to have ripped off honest AWU members through a clandestine slush fund, bankrolling his political advancement, the careers of his cronies and a lifestyle of luxury.
“I therefore welcome the Abbott-Truss Government's move to crack down on these corrupt activities through the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment Bill 2014 which will enforce transparency and accountability.
“Minister Abetz informed the senate that current levels of transparency and disclosure that apply to slush funds are unacceptably low. There is no requirement to publish annual returns, explain where they get their money from, or report to union members.
“It is particularly concerning that this unscrupulous behaviour is largely happening in Victoria.
“Yet, Daniel Andrew's mates in the senate object to the government's efforts to restore scrutiny and accountability of questionable funds. Little wonder given two-thirds of Labor senators are former union officials.
“This is a test of Mr Andrew's character. A decent leader would sever ties with the unions in the interest of hardworking Victorians, and help clean up the mess.”