Napthine rejects conflict claims

AN OVERHAUL of political fundraising in Victoria is on the November 29 election agenda.

AN overhaul of political fundraising in Victoria is on the ­November 29 election agenda after Premier Denis Napthine’s position as Racing Minister was used to help raise cash for the Liberal Party at a Black Caviar-themed election event.

The Victorian Premier yesterday insisted he had no conflict of interest, despite his position as Racing Minister being highlighted for a Liberal Party fundraiser he attended. Part-owners of Black Caviar were also at the event.

Labor and the Greens yesterday savaged Dr Napthine’s explanation for the fundraiser, arguing that the Premier needed to manage both conflicts of interest and the perception of conflicts of interest.

Greens MP Greg Barber said yesterday that the ambiguity surrounding the Napthine fundraiser underpinned the need for changes to the way parties raised money to limit influence from business and unions.

He also dismissed the ministerial code of conduct in Victoria as being a mere function of government rather than a serious ethical deterrent.

“The ministerial code is just a function of the government of the day,” he told The Australian.

Dr Napthine said yesterday he had committed no offence and had abided by electoral commission, government and party rules.

The Australian revealed yesterday that Dr Napthine attended the August 2 fundraiser held by Liberal candidate Amanda Stapledon in the marginal outer-suburban electorate of Narre Warren North.

Dr Napthine’s image and ministerial portfolios were plastered on the party’s invitation calling for the party faithful to join Black Caviar’s part-owners for the event, which was just days after The Australian exposed problems with Liberal fundraising in the area.

Dr Napthine’s dual role as Racing Minister and Premier has attracted a wave of negative publicity, including his ownership of a racehorse and his advocacy for the Waterhouse family, who are prominent trainers and bookmakers.

Dr Napthine said: “I go to fundraising events across the range of areas and this is according to the rules and guidelines set by the electoral commission and even stricter rules applied by the Liberal Party.”

The ministerial fundraising code of conduct is widely seen as inadequate and framed to ensure that politicians can spruik for cash despite being ministers of the crown.

The Australian revealed last month serious concerns about the way funds were being raised in Narre Warren North and the nearby electorate of Cranbourne.

The Liberal Party has denied any wrongdoing and sent in a special campaign adviser to run the strategy in Melbourne’s crucial southeastern suburbs, which will be key to the outcome of the November 29 election.

There are ongoing tensions in the region, which the party is blaming on personal animosities that have been simmering for years.