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The entire Federal Shadow Cabinet have come together today to continue denying claims that the ALP is and or has been influenced by wealthy and important Chinese figures.
This follows revelations that the Chinese developer behind the multi-billion-dollar Gold Coast Jewel and One Circular Quay projects, Huang Xiangmo, handed over $100,000 in cash to former NSW Labor party boss Jamie Clements during a private meeting at his office, a corruption inquiry has heard.
Albanese, or Ni Halbo as he is known in the alleyways of Haymarket, has dismissed all claims that his party is basically a wishing well for Chinese dollars.
The NSW anti-corruption watchdog – The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) conducted its first public hearing of a six-week-long inquiry into allegations concerning political donations yesterday.
ICAC will investigate if the state Labor party bent donation rules and laundered up to $100,000 in suss donations during a secret 2015 Labor Party fundraiser in Sydney’s Chinatown.
Then-Labor leaders Bill Shorten (federal) and Luke Foley (NSW) were there, along with federal shadow treasurer Chris Bowen.
NSW Labor has “quarantined” the $100,000 until the investigation is complete – however, Federal Labor is enacting the old Harriet Wran defence, by stating that yes, they were there, but they didn’t have anything to do with anything.
However, further questions have been raised after the Shadow Cabinet gave a joint press conference from one of the tables at Melbourne’s Crown Casino today.
“There is nothing untoward going on, and there has been nothing untoward going on in the past,” said Ni Halbo in between games at the venue that made headlines last year for pulling strings and skirting the law for wealthy Chinese figures and criminals.
“A few murky dinners here and there is how you grease the wheels in this fine country. Whether it’s with multinational resources companies or giant finance companies like our friends on the other side of the house, or with wealthy Chinese figures, it’s just part and parcel of the system.”
“Now, before any of you ask. We did not and will not be going Wombat hunting, so don’t bother pressing us on that.”
“Now, if that will do, I’ve got a bit of clean cash to spend here.”
Our reporters were then escorted out of the establishment.
