Ex-government services minister Stuart Robert allegedly directed Centrelink leases towards properties owned by a key ally, who used his company in an alleged attempt to funnel money in secret to the former Liberal MP.
The explosive claims are contained in a sworn statement to a parliamentary committee. The document was written by a person formerly involved with a consultancy firm, Synergy 360, which has been accused of using its connection to Robert to win government contracts worth millions of dollars.
It’s not suggested Robert was ever paid as a result of the deal, and the former Fadden MP has rejected the claims as “not believable and outrageous”.
The author of the statement, Anthony Daly, is the ex-husband of former Synergy 360 owner Kham Xaysavanh. The statement said that in September 2017, Xaysavanh and co-owner David Milo organised a meeting at Canberra’s Hyatt Hotel to transfer part of Xaysavanh’s shares to United Marketing, a company owned by a third person, John Margerison.
“Ultimately, this arrangement was designed to facilitate the flow of funds through United Marketing and onward to Stuart Robert,” Daly alleged.
“The main objective of this arrangement was to secure Stuart Robert’s involvement and support in acquiring federal government contracts. Stuart Robert’s political influence and connections within the government sector were deemed crucial in ensuring favourable outcomes.”
The statement also refers to regular meetings between Robert, Milo and Xaysavanh, including at private residences and at Parliament House.
Daly claimed: “These gatherings were usually scheduled after parliamentary sessions in Canberra, providing an opportunity for clients to engage with Stuart Robert who was then the minister for government services and the minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
“This was to enable the attendees to have direct discussions with Stuart Robert about forthcoming tenders and contracts.”
Robert said the release of the document was an “extraordinary abuse of privilege” in comments to Nine newspapers, which first reported on the alleged links between the ex-minister and Synergy 360 last year.
“At no time have I ever been paid for any advice or guidance in any form,” Robert said. “At no time did I lobby to assist any firm in such a manner. I also reiterate that Mr Margerison and Mr Milo have both said publicly that no payments were ever made, nor sought.
“Mr Daly’s submission with zero evidence and wild accusations is rejected in its entirety. [It is] simply not believable and is outrageous.”
Margerison, who was described by Nine as “Robert’s key political fundraiser”, allegedly benefited from his connection to Robert by renting out properties his company owned to Centrelink.
“David Milo told me that Stuart Robert directed Centrelink leases towards properties owned by one of Margerison’s companies, resulting in favourable terms such as high rents and long lease durations,” Daly claimed. “This arrangement also extended to Margerison’s health companies in relation to the [NDIS].”
Daly also wrote in his statement that he would be willing to testify if the matter was brought up before the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
An internal government review found in March that federal officials spent $374 million in taxpayer money on contracts linked to people involved in Synergy 360, according to Nine newspapers.
Crikey has attempted to contact Robert, Xaysavanh, Milo and Margerison.
