Finally we heard from someone. Thank you K Rudd. now they want to get Bracks in to head the review. Classic ALP just a bunch of crooks
https://www.afr.com/politics/third-victorian-minister-out-over-labor-branch-stacking-20200616-p55308You could be number four': Labor in chaos
The Andrews Labor government in Victoria is facing an existential crisis over allegations of industrial-scale branch stacking, after a third minister was forced to resign and the Premier referred the matter to police.
Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien used the resumption of State Parliament on Tuesday to target Mental Health Minister Martin Foley, warning "you could be number four".
Mr O'Brien is calling for a broad independent inquiry, warning that former Victorian Labor Premier and chairman of Maurice Blackburn Steve Bracks – tipped to lead a review – is "hopelessly conflicted".
Marlene Kairouz with Premier Daniel Andrews in 2018. AAP
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews defended the attacks by referring the allegations to Victoria Police and corruption watchdog IBAC, as two plain clothed officials attended dumped powerbroker Adem Somyurek's house on Tuesday.
Former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd called Labor's unelected factions the "core element of the cancer", despite Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese seeking to play down any federal connection.
"When you have unelected factions who exercise closet power, covert power, secret power within the political parties, then it gives rise to these sorts of behaviours," Mr Rudd warned.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Marlene Kairouz became the third minister to stand down in the space of 24 hours, after secret recordings revealed by The Age and 60 Minutes showed she encouraged staff to work on branch-stacking activities with Mr Somyurek, who was sacked on Monday morning.
"This morning I notified the Premier that I will stand aside from my ministerial responsibilities and notified the Governor of the resignation of my commission," she said in a statement.
Investigators outside the house of Adem Somyurek in Melbourne. AAP
"I no longer want these matters to be a distraction to the government. They have placed enormous pressure on my family and caused them great distress. I look forward to the opportunity to clear my name and am confident any investigative process will do so," she said.
However, Ms Kairouz is refusing to stand down as an MP.
"I note that these matters do not relate to any allegations of criminality or corruption. I will continue to serve my electorate of Kororoit, which remains the greatest honour of my life."
Victorian assistant treasurer and Minister for Veterans Robin Scott, a factional ally of Mr Somyurek, also quit the cabinet on Monday afternoon following the allegations but will also continue to serve as the MP for Preston while investigations by police and IBAC take their course.
It is alleged that Mr Somyurek used political advisers to stack party branches with fake ALP members to amass power within the Andrews state government.
It also alleged that he handed over thousands of dollars in secret cash drop-offs in an attempt to amass power, based on recordings of phone calls between him and a senior adviser.
Adam Somyurek leaves his home in Lynbrook on Monday morning.
Second Victorian minister quits amid corruption allegations
The Opposition used Parliament on Tuesday to quiz Mr Foley about the conduct of his ministerial staff, singling out Mr Foley's chief of staff, Matt Hilakari.
Former premier Steve Bracks and former federal minister Jenny Macklin are tipped to lead a review by Labor's national executive and Mr Albanese.
The Victorian MP and ALP factional powerbroker is facing allegations of branch stacking and illegal conduct.
However the state Opposition used the resumption of State Parliament to apply pressure for more resignations and undermine the proposed review.
"Steve Bracks is personally connected with many current senior figures of the ALP which makes it impossible for him to be objective in any review," shadow attorney general Edward O'Donoghue said.
"Further, as chairman of Maurice Blackburn he is hopelessly conflicted," he said.
