The political landscape in New South Wales is heating up as opponents of Chris Minns, the state’s Premier, are raising concerns about a fundraiser from September 2014. Allegations suggest that the amount of donations collected at this event was significantly under-reported. Mark Latham, an independent member of the New South Wales Parliament, claims that the NSW Electoral Commission has reopened its investigation into whether all donations from the fundraiser were properly declared.
During a press briefing on Friday, Minns firmly denied any wrongdoing related to the event, stating that the NSW Electoral Commission had conducted a thorough investigation five years ago. The controversy surrounding cash donations has plagued the Labor Party since a report by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in 2022 highlighted concerns about donations from Huang Xiangmo, a Chinese billionaire property developer, at a March 2015 fundraiser.
The current scrutiny is focused on the earlier engagement held at the Sunny Seafood restaurant in Hurstville, where the fundraiser took place on September 12, 2014. Although this event was indirectly referenced in discussions about donations facilitated by the Chinese Friends of Labor, it was not specifically mentioned in the ICAC’s final report.
In November, David Latham, a former Labor organizer (unrelated to Mark Latham), provided private evidence to a NSW parliamentary inquiry, alleging that Minns and his team failed to keep adequate records of the source of thousands of dollars raised during the 2014 dinner. Minns has categorically rejected these claims.
The issue escalated when Abigail Boyd, a member of the Greens in the upper house, announced that the public accountability and works committee had reported the matter to both the NSW Electoral Commission and the ICAC. Opponents of Minns argue that his assertion regarding prior investigations lacks credibility, as the terms of reference for Operation Aero limited the ICAC’s inquiry to activities from January 2015 onward.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the ICAC has communicated that it will not pursue further investigation into the Sunny Seafood fundraiser, citing its previous completion of similar inquiries as part of Operation Aero. John Graham, the Special Minister of State, reinforced this point during a press conference, stating, “I note the comments from the ICAC that they won’t be pursuing this matter, and I think that deals with the matter that’s been raised.”
In response, Minns reiterated that the NSW Electoral Commission had thoroughly examined not only the fundraiser but also the 2015 financial reports he submitted along with the NSW Labor Party. “I was never investigated by ICAC,” he added, emphasizing that all relevant information was provided during previous inquiries.
Mark Latham, who is now the leader of NSW One Nation, has dismissed the notion that the NSW Electoral Commission has concluded its inquiries. He points to letters exchanged between the commission and Minns’ chief of staff, indicating that the investigation into the alleged illegal donations scheme is still open. Latham’s claims have been met with skepticism, as the letters do not fully support his assertions.
On December 8, Rachel McCallum, the NSW Electoral Commissioner, requested the upper house to refrain from demanding documents relating to ongoing investigations, suggesting that such actions could jeopardize the commission’s statutory functions. Following this, Minns’ chief of staff, James Cullen, confirmed that they would withhold documents that could interfere with legal compliance regarding electoral laws.
The reported gross donations from the September 2014 fundraiser amounted to $5,760, consisting of one reportable donation of $800 and nine smaller contributions totaling $4,960. Budgets for similar events submitted to the ICAC indicate that ticket prices were usually set at a minimum of $80, suggesting an attendance of no more than 72 people at the Sunny Seafood event. However, reports from the Australian China Daily on September 15, 2014, claimed that “nearly 200 supporters” attended the fundraiser.
When questioned about the discrepancy in reported donations and attendance, Minns expressed uncertainty about the specific details of the event, noting that it occurred 11 years ago. “I can’t remember the fundraiser. But it might have been the case that people bought a table, that several people bought a table, a table each,” he explained.
In a firm denial of David Latham’s accusations, Minns stated, “Of course not, absolutely not. I completely and emphatically deny it.” He rejected any suggestion of conversations regarding the use of unrecorded donations, asserting, “I did not have that conversation. I wouldn’t, particularly with that person.”
The NSW Electoral Commission has been contacted for further comments regarding the ongoing situation. As this issue continues to unfold, it remains a significant point of contention in New South Wales politics.
