Victorian Premier Denis Napthine faces conflict claims over fundraising

DENIS Napthine has used his position as Racing Minister to promote a Liberal Party fundraiser, sparking allegations of a conflict of interest.

VICTORIAN Premier Denis Napthine’s position as Racing Minister was used to promote and attend a Liberal Party fundraiser in which the part owners of champion racehorse Black Caviar were the headline act, sparking allegations of a serious conflict of interest.

Dr Napthine attended the event to help a Liberal candidate win a seat in parliament at the November 29 election in an electorate embroiled in controversy over the source of some donations. The Australian can reveal the Premier was the star attraction at the dinner held on August 2 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 Ms Stapledon’s invitation calling on the Liberal faithful to ­attend a “Black Caviar Dinner’’ at Slippery Jacks restaurant in the outer southeastern suburbs, with the retired horse’s co-owners Jannene and Colin Madden.

Dr Napthine allowed his name to be used for the fundraiser just days after The Australian exposed a bitter rift in the Liberal Party in the area, amid questions over the sourcing of tens of thousands of dollars of donations in two seats. Alarmed members complained to party headquarters about what they claimed was a lack of transparency over donations, although the party has denied any wrongdoing, as has Ms Stapledon.

Despite this, the party was forced to strip control of electoral donations from the Narre Warren North and nearby Cranbourne branches after bitter recriminations about how money was being raised, leading to Victorian Liberal director Damien Mantach being secretly taped at a party meeting.

Dr Napthine’s refusal to step away from horse industry-related fundraising comes soon after he was forced to defend his decision to spruik for bookmaker Robbie Waterhouse to work in the betting ring while Mr Waterhouse’s wife, Gai, headlined a Liberal Party fundraiser in his electorate. Dr Napthine was accused of attempting to reverse a betting ring ban on Mr Waterhouse at Warrnambool’s May carnival. The Premier also faced questions over a $1.5 million government grant to a Warrnambool business and racing identity with which he owned racehorse Spin The Bottle.

Labor yesterday slammed the decision by Dr Napthine to ignore questions over his dual role as Racing Minister and Premier, and to allow the title to be used to help raise money for the Liberal Party. The invitation clearly states that Dr Napthine is Racing Minister and that attendees would be in the company of the Madden family, part-owners of Black Caviar.

Labor scrutiny of government spokesman Martin Pakula said Dr Napthine was a repeat offender who had failed to understand the concept of a conflict of interest.

“After the Waterhouse debacle in Warrnambool, Dr Napthine should have learned that the racing portfolio doesn’t exist for the purpose of procuring donations for the Liberal Party,’’ Mr Pakula said.

“Sadly, it looks like he hasn’t learned a thing.

“ He needs to explain exactly what role he played and how it’s consistent with his ultimate responsibility for regulating the industry.’’

Dr Napthine said his attendance was justified and he had offloaded Spin The Bottle.

“Attendance at this event was entirely appropriate and adheres to our code of conduct,’’ a spokesman said. “The Premier divested his interest in Spin The Bottle due to her form and age as advised by the trainer.’’

Dr Napthine failed to answer a series of questions about fundraising in that area, including whether he had any say in the invitation that went to guests and whether he was satisfied with the fundraising that was undertaken in the area.

The latest Galaxy poll puts the Napthine government for the first time back within reach of victory at the election, behind Labor 52-48 on two-party-preferred terms.