Donation for Smith

A GOLD Coast-based travel company donated $35,000 to Logan Mayor Luke Smith’s election campaign and failed to declare the donation.

Sally Chung, who owns Holiday International Golden Travel in Mermaid Beach, told the Crime and Corruption Commission hearing in Brisbane yesterday she had been approached for a donation through her position as chair at the Australia-China Chamber of CEO.

“The reason we chose Luke Smith is because I know him personally and that’s why we put the money in,” Ms Chung said.

The hearing heard Ms Chung did not put in a third party declaration because she was unaware she was required to do so. However, the Gold Coast businesswoman completed a declaration for former Gold Coast City Council candidate Susie Douglas to whom she donated $1000.

Ms Chung said Ms Douglas had approached her after the election and asked her to fill out and sign forms.

Not approach was made by Mr Smith.