Labor’s fundraising arm cuts ties with cashed-up developer amid Casey corruption inquiry

Labor’s fundraising entity has severed ties with John Woodman, the cashed-up developer at the centre of an IBAC anti-corruption probe into Casey council, who sought to use donations to gain favour within the Andrews Government.

The cashed-up developer at the centre of an anti-corruption probe is no longer a member of Labor’s fundraising entity Progressive Business.

John Woodman, the Ferrari-driving director of Watsons development group, poured almost $158,000 into Labor coffers last term as he sought to gain favour within the Andrews Government — earning a “Platinum membership” through Progressive Business.

An Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission hearing into donations and planning decisions last year heard Mr Woodman’s largesse was mainly aimed at senior ministers and

MPs in Melbourne’s southeast.

Developer John Woodman with Casey councillor Sam Aziz at a Subway restaurant in Skye on April 20, 2018.

The Herald Sun revealed his reach also extended to Premier Daniel Andrews, with whom he dined at swanky Chinese restaurant the Flower Drum.

Progressive Business keeps a tight lid on its membership lists. However, a spokesman for Progressive Business confirmed Mr Woodman was no longer a member.

“Mr Woodman has not attended a Progressive Business event since 2017 and is no longer a member. His eligibility to renew with us is not being considered,” the spokesman said.

The IBAC probe into Mr Woodman’s donations to politicians, which included $1.2 million pocketed by two Casey councillors, has exposed serious shortcomings with how cash gifts are disclosed and the influence of developers over elected officials.

Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam. Picture: Mark Stewart

It is understood the Andrews Government is considering how to tighten rules around donations, including at local government level.

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But Greens leader Samantha Ratnam said the government should act immediately to close loopholes that allowed major secret donations to council candidates if they were funnelled through private bank accounts.

New state laws require political donations over $1020 must be declared, but council candidates who are not aligned with parties can cream much more from donors.

Ms Ratnam said this meant local elections were “open to being bought by the gambling industry and property develpers”.

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Originally published as Labor’s fundraising arm cuts ties with cashed-up developer amid Casey corruption inquiry