Labor questioned Husar fundraising for son’s dog

Candidate Emma Husar was forced to appear before a Labor internal committee over money raised to buy a dog for her son.

Emma Husar at Parliament House after her election.

Federal Labor MP Emma Husar was forced to appear before a Labor internal committee before she was confirmed as the Lindsay candidate in 2016 to account for $29,000 she fundraised through local charities for an assistance dog for her autistic son.

Ms Husar ended up forfeiting the dog to the agency that provided it.

The revelation comes as Bill Shorten maintains he had no knowledge of bullying and misuse of staff allegations against Ms Husar until last week, despite Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese revealing he found out about an investigation into the NSW MP weeks ago.

Yesterday, Victorian-based agency Righteous Pups, from whom Ms Husar sought a pup, confirmed that even if a family was unsuccessful in the training course with handling a dog, the client usually got a chance to try again with another dog — raising questions about why Ms Husar did not follow through, given all the money donated.

Rotary Club of Penrith Valley president Robyn Burton said yesterday her club had held a fundraiser for Ms Husar and was “disappointed” Ms Husar did not end up with a dog after the organisation handed over more than $5000. The club held a fundraiser for Ms Husar on the Nepean Belle paddleboat in 2009 and many Rotary members attended.

Money was then distributed to Righteous Pups.

“Those funds (from the fundraiser) plus $2000 from club funds as well — a total of $5640 — was put directly to Righteous Pups on our behalf,” Ms Burton said. “We received a receipt from Righteous Pups in reference to that in 2009.”

The club classed the payment as a “donation”, Ms Burton said.

When Ms Husar ran for Lindsay in 2016, some club members are believed to have complained to Labor Party identities, who then had the matter reviewed by an internal committee. The review found in favour of Ms Husar, who said she had never received a refund from the organisation.

Righteous Pups managing director Joanne Baker confirmed Ms Husar had not been refunded money in relation to the dog.

Ms Baker said: “I am unable to discuss this specific matter with you because it would breach our confidentiality and privacy policies. In general terms, our application process would begin with an application form, then an in-home assessment and then, if approved, we would invite the successful client to assist us with fundraising for Righteous Pups.

“Once the funds were raised, $29,000, the client family would be invited to a 14-day placement training camp and begin learning to work with the matched assistance dog. After that, the clients would be assessed for leadership, handling skills, knowledge of canine psychology, canine health and welfare, and public access tested.

“If the family are successful they would return home with their assistance dog and we would then support the family for the working life of the assistance dog.

“If a family was unsuccessful they would be offered another opportunity to try again later.’’

Ms Husar denies any wrongdoing. She did not respond to questions on the dog yesterday.

A spokesman for Mr Shorten said: “I’m told she gave the dog back and the charity kept the money. Unless they have told you otherwise no evidence to the contrary that I know of.”

The report on the investigation into staff bullying claims against Ms Husar, due next month, will not be released publicly.

The Opposition Leader, who stands by Ms Husar but says he is awaiting the outcome of the inquiry, yesterday repeated he had learned of the claims on Wednesday last week.

Anthony Albanese said yesterday that he had learned of the investigation a month ago during NSW Labor conference.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: BRAD NORINGTON