Greens party accused of hypocrisy for taking donations from property developer

The Greens campaigned strongly against developer donations, but now they are being accused of hypocrisy for accepting cash from a property businessman.

Donations from developers are in the spotlight.

The Greens have been accused of hypocrisy for accepting donations from a developer in alleged contravention of the party’s policy.

But the Greens claim he’s only a small-time developer, and that he appreciates the party campaigning on pro-Palestinian issues.

The Herald Sun can reveal that Jenin Developments managing director Nasser Mashni donated $8575 to the Victorian Greens between 2016-2020.

Jenin Developments managing director Nasser Mashni.

Jenin’s website says its philosophy is to develop landmark projects in key locations, close to local amenities.

“Our developments are suitable for both the investor and the astute owner-occupier,” it says.

Showcased are more than a dozen current and past town house and unit projects in suburbs including Richmond, St Kilda East, Balaclava, Camberwell, Glen Iris, Glen Waverley, Vermont South and Boronia.

The Greens’ 2019 policy platform slammed the major parties for accepting donations from businesses like property developers, saying “the Greens refuse to take donations from corporations trying to buy influence”.

State shadow planning minister David Davis said the Greens were the greatest hypocrites on the issue of donations.

“Despite their high-sounding rhetoric they have slurped up developer donations, with this developer clearly pulling their strings,” he said.

Shadow planning minister David Davis.

Ratepayers Victoria president Dean Hurlston said the donations had helped fund Green campaigns in areas like Stonnington, Monash and Yarra where the developer had past and present projects.

“All political donations should be banned from developers, lobbyists and anyone who could stand to gain from candidates directly or indirectly,” he said.

However, the party said that Mr Mashni’s businesses mainly involved financial planning, accounting and legal services.

Small-scale construction was done, but it wasn’t the main focus of his business activities.

A Victorian Greens spokesman said the party was grateful to receive donations from members “who appreciate our advocacy on important issues”.

“This donor is a member, and like us, is concerned about the plight of the Palestinian people,” he said.

“The Greens have a rigorous process for accepting donations, and these donations complied with our donations guidelines.”

Mr Mashni is vice-president of Australia Palestine Advocacy Network and also a committee member of BDS Australia, part of a global group campaigning for boycotts of companies, organisations and individuals who do business with Israel.

In an October 2020 interview, Mr Mashni said BDS was targeting sportswear giant Puma for sponsoring the Israeli Football Association.

“Locally, in Australia, Puma supports the Carlton Football Club, which is close to my heart, because that’s the team I barrack for,” he reportedly told the Sydney Criminal Lawyers website.

Mr Mashni did not respond to a request for an interview.

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