The Fair Work Commission’s ­embattled panel of independent experts is embroiled in a new controversy after economist Tim Harcourt apparently breached the tribunal’s code of conduct.

The Australian Financial Review has obtained a flyer for a February 20 event promoting a $1000-a-head “Fundraiser" for Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite which lists Dr Harcourt as a guest speaker. The event also featured opposition trade spokeswoman Penny Wong and was described as lunchtime roundtable on the Trans Pacific Partnership.