Convicted fraudster who’s ‘not into politics’ almost joins the Liberal Party
Fraudster David Tang, who served a 12-month prison term in the community for transferring more than $300,000 in client trust funds to his personal account, was very nearly the Liberal Party’s newest member last week.
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When you are a convicted fraudster who confesses that you’re “not into politics”, what should you do? You go into politics, of course!
And when picking a party, should you avoid the same one as NSW Environment Minister
and Liberal heavyweight Matt Kean — the bloke who publicly outed your crimes last year? Hell no! In the jungle that is Cabramatta local party politics, it seems anyone will do, according to Sauce correspondent Ben Pike.
Canley Vale man and former real estate agent David Tang’s political career has advanced further than most crims, however.
Last week Cabramatta branch members were formally asked to consider the 36-year-old’s membership application.
Perhaps they didn’t know Parramatta Local Court last year found him guilty of transferring more than $300,000 in client trust funds to his personal account.
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They also may not have known that former better regulation minister Matt Kean said at the time “this sort of rorting is completely unacceptable”.
Tang served his 12-month prison term in the community.
You would’ve thought those sentenced to jail would be denied entry at the door, but Tang made it into the Liberal Party’s foyer.
Perhaps he would’ve got further had The Sauce not made a call to Liberal party HQ on Friday.
The state executive held an emergency meeting that night, at which they unceremoniously booted Tang out of the party.
Mr Kean said he “is not a fit and proper person” to join.
Maybe the Liberals need an “I am not a criminal” tick-box on their application forms?
Tang said he was considering a complaint to the Liberals about how word got out.
Aah, politics.
CCTV INVESTIGATION
The media loves getting their hands on CCTV of mayhem on our roads or criminals caught in the action.
So when footage of an alleged crash and carjacking in the M5 tunnel earlier this month appeared on Facebook, it ran everywhere.
It turns out bosses of the Sydney motorway weren’t as delighted.
The dramatic vision, taken on September 14, was captured by a worker for Ventia, who has the contract to operate and maintain that section of the M5 on behalf of Roads and Maritime Services. It was then posted on the Only in Guildford Facebook page.
With the footage splashed across news websites and television bulletins, it didn’t take long for Ventia to launch an investigation.
Apparently the “incident” was a breach of protocol.
Who’d have thought it?
FESTIVE HIJINKS
The end of the parliamentary year is in sight, to the great relief of MPs, but there’s still one NSW political challenge ahead — the annual Press Gallery Christmas Party.
It’s a chance for the state’s journalists to say thank you to — and, of course, mock — politicians and their staff.
Party leaders usually warn their colleagues to stay only for the speeches before escaping any eggnog-fuelled antics, but with a gruelling year behind them, there may be more mingling than usual.
The ABC is pulling together the “goof” reel of pollies’ candid moments caught on video, while Seven News state political editor Sean Berry will return for the “roast”.
What with the election, leadership challenges, ICAC investigations, and a particularly fruity year of political hijinks, there’s no shortage of material for the November 20 event. Stay tuned
Got some Sauce? Contact
linda.silmalis@news.com.au
miranda.wood@news.com.au or
annika.smethurst@news.com.au
Originally published as Convicted fraudster who’s ‘not into politics’ almost joins the Liberal Party
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