Former MP rejects claim a fund was set up to direct money in exchange for winning contracts

A parliamentary committee has heard a fund was allegedly set up to direct money to a former Queensland Minister while he was in office, but that MP has strongly rejected the claim.

The electorate office for Fadden on Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina on the Gold Coast. Picture: Supplied

Former Minister Stuart Robert has rejected in “the strongest possible terms” the “wild allegations” a consultancy firm set up a fund to direct money to him in return for winning government contracts and setting up meetings.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten did not rule out a referral to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which begins operations from July 1, but said he was seeking advice on how to investigate the matter.

The release of the claims coincides with the Fadden by-election, which was sparked by the resignation from parliament of Mr Robert who had held the Gold Coast seat since 2007.

A signed document, presented under privilege to a parliamentary committee, claimed a fund called United Marketing was set up by the firm Synergy 360 to “facilitate the flow of funds through United Marketing and onward to Stuart Robert” during the time he was Government Services Minister.

The claim, made by Anthony Daly the ex-partner of former Synergy 360 director Kham Xaysavanh, said the main objective of the arrangement was “to secure Stuart Robert’s involvement and support in acquiring federal government contracts”.

Fadden MP Stuart Robert. Picture: Supplied

“Stuart Robert’s political influence and connections within the government sector were deemed crucial in ensuring favourable outcomes,” Mr Daly said in the statement.

Mr Robert has strongly rejected the all the claims “in the strongest possible terms”, said he did not believe he had ever met Mr Daly.

“I note he has provided zero evidence, simply made wild allegations under privilege. This is an extraordinary abuse of privilege and extraordinary that a committee would release as such with zero evidence that is contrary to every bit of testimony they have heard to date,” Mr Robert said.

“I note that every contract has been investigated fully by the Watt review and no misconduct was found. This was a five month review.

“I reiterate what I have said numerous times. At no time have I ever been paid for any advice or guidance in any form. At no time did I lobby to assist any firm in such a manner.”

He said the other owners of Synergy 360 David Milo and John Margerison, a political fundraiser of Mr Roberts, had also said no payments were ever sought or paid.

Government Services Minister, Bill Shorten. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

The Parliamentary Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit had been investigating links between Mr Robert and Synergy 360.

Mr Shorten described the allegations as very serious, but noted they had not been proven and were denied by Mr Robert.

He said he was seeking advice from Services Australia as to the best way to investigate the claims, and did not rule out a referral to the NACC.

“There is no doubt that further investigations are required and we’re not interested in a whitewash,” Mr Shorten said.

“It is clear that in the interests of everyone, the taxpayer, the department, the voters, the 109,000 Gold Coast voters who are forced to go to a by-election … it is important we get to the bottom of the matter in the most fullest and comprehensive way so we actually know what’s gone on.”

Asked if the matter should be referred to the NACC, Opposition leader Peter Dutton said a number of matters would be referred to the new corruption commission.

“If there is evidence that people believe they have, it should be referred for independent investigation, so we would support that process,” he said.