THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
ACTING SHADOW MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS
ACTING SHADOW SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
TURNBULL SHOULD BE SACKING SINODINOS, NOT FUNDRAISING WITH HIM
According to reports today, Mr Turnbull has chosen Arthur Sinodinos, the man embroiled in the biggest donations scandal in the history of the New South Wales Liberal Party, to headline a $8,000-a-head fundraiser with him.
It is remarkable, to say the least, that Mr Turnbull thinks it is appropriate to engage Mr Sinodinos's services in an activity which has already brought him in front of the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption and now drawn the attention of the New South Wales Electoral Commission.
The NSWEC has made clear that Mr Sinodinos as Treasurer of the NSW Liberal Party from 2009-2011 was in a role where he should have been aware of the channelling of illegal property developer donations through the Free Enterprise Foundation to the state party.
So far, Mr Sinodinos has made little substantive response to the NSWEC's allegations beyond ordering his lawyers to write a strongly-worded letter, which the Commission rejected. He has a lot more explaining to do.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott had the good sense to stand Mr Sinodinos aside from the ministry while the ICAC investigation was ongoing. Mr Turnbull brought him back as Cabinet Secretary, as his right hand man. This might be one instance where Mr Turnbull regrets not seeking a bit more continuity with Mr Abbott's government rather than change.
Mr Turnbull should be sacking Mr Sinodinos from the ministry while these serious allegations continue to be investigated, not appearing at a glitzy fundraiser with him.
You really have to question Mr Turnbull's judgement.
SUNDAY, 3 APRIL 2016
