The Liberal Nationals have referred the Migrant Workers Centre and Victorian Trades Hall Council to Victoria Police for investigation into the misuse of grant money for political campaigning.
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Nick Wakeling, has written to Victorian Police Commissioner Shane Patton, requesting an investigation into the rorting of taxpayers funds by Victorian Trades Hall Council for political purposes.
In an explosive report by the Victorian Auditor-General, it was proven that thousands of taxpayers’ dollars that were granted by the Andrews Labor Government were inappropriately misused to fund campaign activities against the Liberal Party during the previous State and Federal elections.
These funds had been provided to Trades Hall Council to support the activities of its Migrant Workers Centre. Trades Hall has since had to repay thousands of dollars in acknowledgment of the misuse of these government funds.
These activities were clearly in breach of terms of the grant. The Liberal Nationals firmly believe that the report’s findings raise serious questions which warrant further police investigation and consideration of any illegality in relation to the matter.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Nick Wakeling:
“The Victorian Auditor-General has uncovered a dirty arrangement of Trades Hall misusing taxpayers’ dollars which solely supports the Andrews Labor Government. It’s deeply disturbing.
“Serious questions have been raised and the Opposition has requested Victoria Police undertake a thorough investigation into this messy affair.”
