Labor’s branch-stacking scandal

Read our investigation into Labor powerbroker Adem Somyurek, rampant branch-stacking with the Victorian branch, and the damning findings by the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) and Ombudsman that followed.

‘Absolutely disgraceful behaviour’: Victorian Labor’s rotten culture exposed

A new parliamentary watchdog will be launched in response to a report that revealed rampant nepotism inside the ALP and prompted an apology from the premier.

• July 20, 2022
• by Sumeyya Ilanbey

Reducing political corruption will only happen with cultural change

The fact such vast powers were needed to expose wrongdoing shows how hard it was to substantiate what was an open secret within Victorian Labor.

• July 20, 2022
• by Nick McKenzie

Anti-corruption watchdog calls out Victorian Labor’s rotten culture

“Significant cultural reform is required within the ALP” to rid the party of a culture that encouraged the misuse of public funds, nepotism and other wrongdoing, IBAC says.

• April 28, 2022
• by Nick McKenzie and Sumeyya Ilanbey

Somyurek push to refer red shirts rort back to Ombudsman gathers momentum

“If I was corrupt, we are all corrupt – that’s what I wanted tested at IBAC,” Adem Somyurek says. “Everyone acting with the red shirts scheme was corrupt, including me.” 

• February 8, 2022
• by Sumeyya Ilanbey

‘Total bloodletting’ for state Labor as seven MPs shown the door

Seven sitting MPs have been told their political careers are over, escalating the threat of byelections for the Andrews government.

• December 9, 2021
• by Paul Sakkal and Sumeyya Ilanbey

Ex-ministers Kairouz and Scott face scrutiny over grant funding

Auditors will examine the grants issued in the gaming and multicultural affairs portfolios under the tenures of two under-pressure MPs.

• December 8, 2021
• by Sumeyya Ilanbey

‘A matter for police’: Attorney-General refuses to comment on red shirts affair

The Age on Friday revealed detectives were directed by high-ranking officers to make sure that 16 named members of Parliament “not be arrested, photographed, searched if they are interviewed”.

• November 12, 2021
• by Rachel Eddie

Police were prevented from arresting Labor MPs over ‘red shirts’ rort: documents

The secret police files from late 2018 reveal detectives were directed by high-ranking officers to make sure that 16 named members of Parliament “not be arrested, photographed, searched”.

• November 12, 2021
• by Nick McKenzie

‘Temporary insanity’: Somyurek concedes he failed in his responsibilities as an MP

Adem Somyurek deleted text messages in which he discussed forging signatures, pleading “temporary insanity” during the fierce factional battle for control of Labor Party branches in Melbourne’s south-east.

• November 11, 2021
• by Sumeyya Ilanbey and Paul Sakkal