By Richard Willingham
Racing identity and Crown Casino founder Lloyd Williams has told Labor leader Daniel Andrews that casino mogul James Packer was going to "kick every goal he can" for Labor at this year's election.
During a Monday morning photo opportunity with Mr Andrews and Mr Williams' Melbourne Cup runner Fawkner in Macedon, the businessman put his hand on the opposition leader's back and said: "You should probably know I am the executor of the Packer estate, and James [Packer] is going to kick every goal he can for you."
Later at a press conference in McKinnon - where Labor pledged to remove a level crossing at the Mckinnon train station - Mr Andrews said the comments were a matter for Mr Packer.
"I've known James Packer for years and you'll need to speak him about any further details on that," Mr Andrews said.
Mr Andrews said Mr Packer had not offered him advice. Asked if they were friends, the opposition leader told reporters they would need to speak Mr Packer and Mr Williams about the comments.
He said he was at the Macedon event to wish the local horse all the best for Tuesday's Melbourne Cup.
Earlier this year Labor gave support to a government bill that increased the tax rate on Crown Casino, saying it had secured a side deal with the casino to re-train 500 retrenched workers at the casino's training centre for free.
Mr Andrews said that deal was made after detailed discussions with the chief executive of Crown, Rowen Craigie.
"There was an exchange of letters, and it is a very clear undertaking from Crown to do the right thing by 500 workers," Mr Andrews said.
Asked if he had spoken to Mr Packer "as a friend" during negotiations, Mr Andrews said no.
The Coalition took months to negotiate with Crown over plans to raise the tax collected on the casino's poker machines.
In the eventual deal, Crown secured $200 million compensation if any government pursued measures that would impact on the casino's revenue, including harm minimisation strategies.
Premier Denis Napthine said he did not comment on any discussions he had with the business community.
Andrews']
Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello was chilled by Mr Williams comments.
"The Victorian public know that both sides, including Daniel Andrews, did the most generous deal for James Packer, giving him a license until 2050 and the right to sue the taxpayer should there be any gambling reform," Mr Costello said.
"Can Dan Andrews now seriously look Victorian voters in the eyes and tell them he has their interest, not James Packer's, at heart?"
Victorian InterChurch Gambling Taskforce chairman Mark Zirnsak said there was already concern about the degree of political influence in Victorian politics.
"We have said for some time that we would like to see less ability for the gambling industry to have political influence. Political parties should not accept donations from the gambling industry," Dr Zirnsak said.
Greens leader Greg Barber said: "The fix is in. The big end of town can't lose, whether it's Labor or Liberal in government after the election."
Crown was contacted for comment, but Mr Packer was unavailable.