Property Developers in Political Storm
Property developers are in the spotlight again as investigations are under way around a number of political candidates in the lead up to state elections.
The ABC reported Queensland opposition leader Deb Frecklington was referred to the Electoral Commission of Queensland over fears campaign fundraising may have broken prohibited donor laws.
Reporters said they found no evidence of donations from property developers however Frecklington had dinner with some of Queensland biggest developers including Todd Brown and Nic De Luca.
According to the ECQ, a prohibited donor is a property developer and their close associates; or an industry representative organisation with property developers as the majority of its members.
LNP opposition leader Deb Frecklington said the allegations are completely false and fundraisers are a necessary evil but everyone complies with the rules.
“Politicians attend supporters’ dinners and go to events with every manner of type of business people,” Frecklington said.
“I am a politician and I attend supporters dinners, of course I do.
“On the ECQ website anyone can attend a fundraiser but a prohibited donor cannot donate and let's make it really clear, I stand by my integrity.”
Meanwhile, the Independent Commission Against Corruption is continuing investigations former NSW Member of Parliament for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire.
The ICAC are investigating whether Maguire breached a duty to serve the public to pursue his own financial interests or those of his associates.
This includes Maguire's involvement with a number of property developers, such as a relationship Chinese developer Country Garden Australia which first surfaced in 2018, as well as his relationship with Sydney landowner Louise Waterhouse.
The allegations also surround Maguire's dealing with G8wayinternational/G8wayinternational Pty Ltd and associated persons including former campaign manager Phillip Elliot.
NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian was questioned in the investigation and it has been revealed she was in a close personal relationship with Maguire since 2015.
