This Report Has Been Sent To The NACC - Will It Ever See The Light Of Day?
Will the NACC Investigate a Public Interest Case, involving political donations Labor have received for decades, that could be from proceeds of crime-money laundering conducted in pokies in the ACT?
Since the Canberra Labor Club opened in 1979, it has made millions of dollars in donations to the Australian Labor Party and the ACT Labor Party. The ACT Labor Party relies heavily on the “1973 Foundation Pty Ltd” with declarations of $331,527.00 for the 2018/19 returns (and $789,403.48 declared in 2017/18). The ACT Election financial returns also revealed Labor’s “1973 Foundation” received $724,957 from JB Were (Investment Income and Sales Proceeds combined) and from G8 Education (Rent) a declaration of the sum of $631,695.08
Michael Moore
On 26 October 2022, the NSW Crime Commission concluded Project Islington. This was an Inquiry into Money Laundering via electronic gaming machines in NSW hotels and clubs. The terms of reference established for the Inquiry were:
- To investigate the nature and extent of money laundering that may be occurring in licensed premises in NSW with particular reference to the use of gaming machines;
- To identify potential vulnerabilities within the regulations and legislation governing gaming machines which could be exploited for the purpose of laundering
- To furnish reports about matters relating to money laundering through electronic gaming machines to government, pursuant to: i. s 10 (1) (e) of the Crime Commission Act 2012 (NSW); ii. s 59AA of the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002 (Cth); and iii. the various provisions of the Gaming and Liquor Administration Act 2007 (NSW), the Gaming Machines Act 2001 (NSW), Registered Clubs Act 1976 (NSW), and the Liquor Act 2007 (NSW).
In 2020-21, approximately $95b was gambled through EGMs in hotels (pubs) and licensed clubs in New South Wales. Concern has increased that the magnitude of this cash flow has made EGMs attractive to criminals as a mechanism for laundering money to make it appear legitimately acquired.
Money laundering, as the term is used in the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW):
At any time proceeding the NSW Crime Commission's Project Islington Report-26 October 2022, has the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, any of his Ministers, the Australian Labor Party or the ACT Labor Party conducted any due diligence, investigations or enquiries, to establish whether the donations accepted by them, from the Canberra Labor Club/group, were not from proceeds of crime?
In 2018, The ACT Electoral Commission investigated the reporting of a donation of $2.5 million from the Canberra Labor Club to the Labor Party's 1973 Foundation.
Kirsten Lawson
The Canberra Labor Club opened in 1979 with a membership of 1500. Over the years the club has grown to become an invaluable asset to the community.
It actively supports sporting teams and community organisations making it an integral part of the Canberra community, with a membership of 60,000 and staffing of 160. This community focused Club is well regarded in Canberra as the community’s First Choice.
Since opening, the Canberra Labor Club has established a very strong financial position and had the ability to expand.
The Canberra Labor Club Group owns and operates four licensed Clubs throughout the ACT. Expansion has included the purchase of the City Labor Club (formerly the Canberra Workers Club) in 1995 now located in Petrie Plaza 2006, the purchase of the Canberra Labor Club Community Chambers (formerly Norths Rugby) in 1997, the purchase of the Ginninderra Labor Club (formerly the Charnwood Tavern) in 1997, and the purchase of the Weston Creek Labor Club (formerly the Weston Creek Football Club) in 2001. The Canberra Labor Club Group also owns several commercial properties throughout the ACT.
One membership fee covers all 4 venues.
If a complaint of this nature landed in the in tray of the NACC, based on recent investigations and lack of action into matters such as Robodebt, Tourism not being pursued, please excuse one for being pessimistic or extremely negative, but in a very short time, the NACC has earnt the same reputation as an ASIC type organisation.
Full of promises and delivering absolutely nothing. Another federal organisation with hand picked leaders, to deliver the outcomes on behalf of the Government of the day. The NACC is another Mark Dreyfus & Labor failure . What would you expect from a politician who jailed a whistleblower.
Further Sources
Electoral Commission investigates reporting of a $2.5 million donation from Canberra Labor Club
Labor's dirty little pokie secret (and its recalcitrant Tassie cousin)
Labor tops next year’s cash splash
