Bullying claims against Walt Secord will be the first major test of Labor Leader Chris Minns

Chris Minns has enjoyed a rails run as Labor Leader, but faces major test over bullying claims levelled against his close ally Walt Secord, writes James O’Doherty.

Until now, Chris Minns has been one of the luckiest men in NSW politics.

While the government suffered blow after blow – from the loss of a popular Premier in Gladys Berejiklian in October to the current “jobs for mates” scandal that has dragged on far too long, Minns’ leadership of NSW Labor had been comparatively hassle-free.

He has picked his battles, largely following the edict attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte – “never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake”.

The release of an explosive report into bullying in NSW parliament will be Minns’ first major test, after serious allegations were levelled against his close ally, Labor stalwart Walt Secord.

This column first heard rumours earlier this year that Secord could be adversely named in the bombshell Broderick Review, released by a stony-faced Premier Dominic Perrottet last Friday.

Labor Leader Chris Minns has enjoyed a run of luck as Labor Leader amid ongoing government scandals. Picture: AAP

Hours later, Secord issued a statement acknowledging his “shortcomings,” promising to address his behaviour – after multiple people alleged he was an intimidating bully.

Secord then stood aside from the Ministry “to allow for an investigation to take place,” Minns said on Monday.

Bullying allegations levelled against Walt Secord will be investigated after they were lodged with Labor HQ. Picture: NCA

The only avenue available to former staff is to complain to Sussex Street – former staffers worry that the investigation will be far from independent: they fear that if they make a complaint, their details will be leaked, and they will face retribution.

And until that investigation is complete, a major cloud hangs over Secord’s head.

Nominations are now open for Labor’s Upper House ticket. If Secord is preselected, he will be elected in March for another eight year term.

However the candidates will be voted on at NSW Labor’s State Conference in just two months. It is hard to see any independent investigation being completed by then.

Tellingly, Labor Leader Minns refused to say on Monday whether Secord should nominate for the Upper House while the complaints process is ongoing.

Premier Dominic Perrottet issued a ceasefire ultimatum in cabinet on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Scott Powick

Multiple Labor sources told this column that would be a political disaster if Secord is endorsed as a candidate for the election while an inquiry into allegations of bad behaviour is ongoing.

Minns’ has so far caught on the back foot in responding to the Secord scandal.

He first suggested people with complaints could pursue them through a parliamentary process that does not exist yet, and despite demanding the Premier specify why Miranda MP Eleni Petinos was sacked, Minns refused to say what concerns had forced Secord to go.

Minns was lucky that the allegations against Secord have so far been overshadowed by government own goals.

On the same day that Secord quit, the Premier directed his Ministers to play nice or face the sack.

Monday’s cabinet ultimatum, leaked to this newspaper, was not the first time Perrottet has had to tell his front bench to pull their heads in.

It is clear that the Premier is becoming increasingly frustrated with Ministers (Elliott in particular) creating distractions.

Like Minns, warring Liberal Ministers would do well to heed Napoleon’s advice.