Rorts-for-votes mastermind John Lenders still on ALP committee as inquiry into scandal begins

THE mastermind of Labor’s rorts-for-votes scheme in 2014 is still a member of the ALP’s state election campaign committee, despite his role in the scandal.

THE mastermind of Labor’s rorts-for-votes scheme in 2014 is still a member of the ALP’s state election campaign committee.

Former state treasurer John Lenders, who was slammed by Ombudsman Deborah Glass for his role in orchestrating the hiring of taxpayer-funded staff to be used as ALP campaigners, is set to be grilled by a parliamentary inquiry this week.

PUBLIC HEARINGS SET FOR RORTS-FOR-VOTES INQUIRY

PUBLIC MAY GET TO SEE PART OF RORTS-FOR-VOTES PROBE

Mr Lenders quit a plum taxpayer-funded board position days before Ms Glass’ report was tabled in March, but it can be revealed he remained on the political party’s 2018 campaign committee.

Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass. Picture: Alex Coppel

Former state treasurer John Lenders. Picture: David Crosling

Other members of the committee include Premier Daniel Andrews and federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

A spokesman for the ALP said last night: “We won’t provide commentary on the composition of our internal bodies”.

In March, Ms Glass found that 21 current and former ALP MPs misused almost $388,000 of taxpayer money.

She will give evidence to the Legislative Council Privileges Committee today, with Victoria Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton set to follow her.