IBAC: Anthony Albanese refers MP Anthony Byrne for investigation

Labor MP Anthony Byrne will be investigated by the Finance Department over admissions he used taxpayer-funded staff for factional reasons.

Labor MP Anthony Byrne.

Labor MP Anthony Byrne will be investigated by the Finance Department over admissions he used taxpayer-funded staff for factional reasons.

Anthony Albanese referred Mr Byrne to the department but has refused to kick the Holt MP out of the ALP for admitting to branch stacking.

The Opposition Leader said he would decide whether Mr Byrne remained after evidence was compiled by Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission. Mr Byrne has been preselected for outer-Melbourne Holt at the next election.

Mr Albanese backed the immediate expulsion of Victorian MP Adem Somyurek when his branch stacking was unveiled through the media.

The action against Mr Somyurek, which included a national executive takeover of the Victorian branch, has shifted power in the state away from the Labor leader’s nemesis, Bill Shorten.

Mr Albanese claimed the difference between the cases was Mr Somyurek was threatening to “take over the Victorian branch”.

“IBAC at the moment is still having hearings. The hearings are under way,” he said.

Last week, Mr Byrne resigned as parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security deputy chair.