Key BRI adviser Marty Mei linked to Chinese ruling party

Key state government player in Victoria’s Belt and Road Initiative named an ‘honorary adviser’ to Beijing-linked golf group.

Daniel Andrews and Marty Mei. Picture: Supplied

One of the key state government players in Victoria’s Belt and Road Initiative was named an “honorary adviser” to a golfing association linked to the ­Chinese Communist Party.

Marty Mei, senior adviser to Premier Daniel Andrews, spoke at the launch of the Melbourne branch of the Australian International Golf Association in July 2018.

Also at the event was association head Tommy Jiang, who then oversaw a Chinese-language media empire in Australia.

Marty Mei on a flight with Daniel Andrews. Picture: Supplied

The media mogul’s then radio business was 60 per cent owned by Guoguang Century Media Consultancy, a subsidiary of state-owned media company China Radio International.

Another attendee was Macau gambling tycoon Jack Lam, who was charged with bribery offences in The Philippines a year earlier.

Mr Mei is identified as a “representative of Daniel Andrews” in a media release advertising the launch and named as an “honorary adviser” to the golf group in a list of roles at the end of the ­release. He said in a video of the event he hoped the Melbourne branch of the golf association would promote friendly relations between Australia and China.

“I hope the Melbourne Golf Association and the Victorian government would go hand-in-hand and make great contributions to the Victorian Cup and the President cup and Australian cup in the future.”

Marty Mei, second from the right, at the launch of the CCP-linked Shenzhen Association of Australia in 2016. Picture: Supplied

Mr Jiang stepped down as ­director of Global CAMG Media Group last year but 10 radio licences remain in his name.

The company acted as an ­entity of China through China Radio International between July 2013 and December 2018, according to the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme register.

In a video of the launch of the Melbourne branch of the golf ­association, Mr Jiang said: “I ­believe that golf enthusiasts in the Australian and Chinese political and business circles can have more opportunities to enjoy golf games, to gain opportunities and friendship.”

Marty Mei. Picture: Supplied

He and Mr Lam are listed as co-directors of TC Golf Management, which is registered at the address of Twin Creeks Golf Club in the suburb of Luddenham in Sydney’s northwest.

The venue has reportedly hosted fundraisers for former prime minister Tony Abbott as well as Liberal MP for Bennelong John Alexander.

In response to questions on whether Mr Andrews knew Mr Mei was attending the 2018 event, a Victorian government spokeswoman said: “Marty Mei is an important member of our team and does a great job for Victorians.”

Mr Mei has accompanied Mr Andrews on all six trips he has taken as Premier to the People’s Republic of China.