Questions linger as state honchos sweat in IBAC probe
The obvious question posed by the IBAC probe into development decisions at Casey Council has been, what are those generous donors hoping to achieve? It’s clear cash can open doors, but does that really make a difference?
VIC News
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When the state’s anti-corruption watchdog wrapped up public hearings into development decisions at Casey Council for 2019, many Labor MPs breathed a sigh of relief.
The probe had begun by focusing on local government planning matters that were allegedly corrupted by $1.2 million in bribes to councillors in Melbourne’s southeast.
But it naturally segued into state affairs, given the planning controls held by governments and ministers. Little nuggets started to be exposed about political donations lavished on parties or individuals — especially those expected to win elections — and this was making some people sweat.
The obvious question posed by IBAC has been, what are those generous donors hoping to achieve? It has already become clear that cash can open doors, but does that really make a difference?
If you hear developer John Woodman and his planning consultant Megan Schutz on secret phone recordings, it sounds like it does. Take the way they slam “f---knuckle” Planning Minister Richard Wynne for daring to resist their wily charms. As I’ve said before, Andrews was lucky he appointed Wynne to that role.
What’s become apparent as IBAC hearings proceed is that Wynne quickly saw Schutz and Woodman as wily. According to Schutz herself, Wynne said to a Labor lobbyist at one point: “I don’t want that girl near me”. Compare that to Schutz’s description of Treasurer Tim Pallas, who put her in touch with a department secretary, or of Daniel Andrews, who greeted her with “a little kiss on the cheek”.
While that’s not a political kiss of death, it does pose further questions about their relationship — something the premier insists is not close.
This may be tested by IBAC during the coming fortnight of public hearings.
JOHN WOODMAN
Ferrari-driving developer who is the director of Watsons. Lavished state and council-elected representatives with money for their political campaigns in a bid to get “friendly” people elected. His money also helped get him access to Premier Daniel Andrews, Treasurer Tim Pallas, and other senior ministers. Paid Casey councillors Sam Aziz and Geoff Ablett $1.2 million allegedly in return for favourable council outcomes. Would have been paid a $2 million “success fee” for getting industrial land in Cranbourne rezoned to residential.
MEGAN SCHUTZ
Planning consultant and lawyer hired by developer John Woodman. Jobs included “coaching” Casey councillors on how to phrase planning amendments for Woodman-linked projects. On behalf of Mr Woodman, hired community group leader Ray Walker for various projects, paid for by Woodman’s company Watsons. Heard on secret phone recordings launching foul-mouthed tirades aimed at Planning Minister Richard Wynne and council planning officers who put up planning road blocks.
SCHUTZ ON DAN, DECEMBER 2018
“He (Daniel Andrews) gave me a little kiss on the cheek and he said, ‘Say hi to John, Megan, say hi to John’.”
TIES TO THE PREMIER
Woodman and Daniel Andrews have known each other for many years, with the developer donating $2500 to his 2002 election campaign. Obtained regular access to the premier through Progressive Business functions, which also raised money for the Labor Party. This included an intimate meal at the Flower Drum restaurant in 2017, when the pair discussed a charity golf event Mr Woodman was organising.
DAN ON WOODMAN, DECEMBER 2019
“I was asked was I close to (Mr Woodman). I wouldn’t describe our relationship like that.”
“We might have had a discussion about frustration on broad policy ‘like councils approving things quicker’, something like that, but no individual planning matters.”
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