IBAC to probe Vic stacking

VICTORIA’S corruption watchdog will investigate explosive allegations of industrial-scale branch stacking within the Labor Party.

The Independent Broadbased Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) said yesterday it was investigating “serious allegations of corrupt conduct” within Victorian Labor.

“IBAC’s Operation Fortescue will examine a range of matters concerning allegations of branch stacking, and other matters aired recently in media reports, and other related complaints made to IBAC,” it said in a statement.

It comes as the state’s Ombudsman was also asked to investigate and the party begins a “painful” process of reform.

Secret recordings of nowformer Labor heavyweight Adem Somyurek allegedly organising branch stacking and using vile language about colleagues and staff were first aired by Nine on Sunday night. The expose prompted his sacking from Cabinet and he quit the party. His Right-faction allies Marlene Kairouz and Robin Scott later resigned from Cabinet amid allegations their staff were connected to Mr Somyurek’s efforts.

The scandal prompted Premier Daniel Andrews to ask Labor’s national executive to reform the Victorian branch. They were only too happy to oblige, with former premier Steve Bracks and former federal minister Jenny Macklin appointed as administrators of the branch until January.

Voting rights for rank and file members are being suspended until 2023, while every member is audited to ensure they genuinely want to be members and have paid to be so themselves.

Mr Andrews has apologised to the party’s “true believers”.

“I apologise for your pain, and I guarantee you when this reform work is finished, not only will your voice be heard, but it will be louder than it has ever been,” he said yesterday.

The lengthy time frame without voting rights was necessary, he stressed.

“Cleaning this up will take some time and you’ve got to break the business model of those who would seek to undermine the integrity of our systems,” Mr Andrews said.

The national executive will need to preselect candidates for the next federal and state elections. Mr Bracks and Ms Macklin will deliver their final report in November.

The Premier said reforming the party would be a “painful process”, but would lead to rank and file members having a greater say in Labor’s future.

An Opposition motion in the Upper House to refer the scandal to Ombudsman Deborah Glass was passed yesterday.

Mr Somyurek denies the allegations. Mr Scott and Ms Kairouz vowed to clear their names and remain part of the Government.