ICAC donations probe: Labor’s integrity being ripped to shreds
NSW Labor is trying to pull together some semblance of a credible opposition while their ex-party boss is down the road having her integrity ripped apart.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There was an unmissable irony last night when Labor put out a statement bemoaning funding cuts to the electoral commission — it’s the pillar of democracy their suspended general secretary is accused of misleading.
Such is the reality NSW Labor is left grappling with. The MPs on Macquarie St are trying to pull together some semblance of a credible opposition while their ex-party boss is down the road having her integrity ripped apart.
MORE ICAC NEWS
LABOR STAFFER HANDED $100,000 IN CASH
NSW MP’S TO GET COMPULSORY VIRTUE ETHICS TRAINING
The parliamentary wing is trying to find some path to stand up for working NSW residents as the party’s brand risks becoming synonymous with illegal activity.
Self-proclaimed boss lady Kaila Murnain was accused of the lot yesterday — crocodile tears, false evidence and unethical behaviour.
Tony McInerney SC skilfully worked her evidence over to build doubt about her take on events.
If he succeeds in making his case, it would be that not only did Murnain sit on knowledge of an alleged illegal donation since 2016, she also invented the version of events surrounding it to “cover her backside”.
The phone records beamed on the ICAC stage yesterday revealed the frequent interactions between Murnain, then leader Luke Foley and her predecessor Sam Dastyari on a daily basis.
On the day in question Murnain had seven calls or attempted calls with Mr Foley. With Mr Dastyari there were 15. There was no suggestion Foley was made aware of the allegations, but the pair were in constant contact.
Labor has much healing to do, and while the party is being torn apart by ICAC it will be hard for good MPs trying to make a difference to get any traction.