Police look at Country Liberal Party ‘slush fund’

A private company accused of being a Country Liberal Party “slush fund” has been referred to police by the NT Electoral Commission.

A private company accused of being a Country Liberal Party “slush fund” has been referred to police by the Northern Territory Electoral Commission over suspected breaches of political donations disclosure requirements.

The company, Foundation 51, has close ties to prominent CLP members. Foundation 51 and CLP spokespeople, and senior members of the ruling Country Liberal government, have denied wrongdoing.

The NTEC said in a statement yesterday that Foundation 51 had been referred to police on the advice of the Solicitor-General, after an investigation into alleg­ations that it failed to comply with its obligations as an associated entity.

“This investigation is now complete and the commission has reached the view that there has been a possible breach of the compliance provisions of the Electoral Act (NT),” the statement said.

The maximum penalty for such breaches is 12 months in jail or a fine of about $30,000. Foundation 51 is being wound up.

The Australian understands the alleged breach occurred in the past three years, a period in which Darwin-based transport executive Peter Hopton and former CLP MP Peter Maley both served as Foundation 51 directors.

Mr Maley stepped down as a magistrate last year soon after being appointed by the Country Liberal government. His resignation came amid controversy over political donations. He has strenuously denied wrongdoing.