Former Vic Premier ‘shocked’ to hear of branch stacking scandal

Описание: Former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks, who is now a Joint-Administrator of the state’s Labor Party, says he was “shocked” to hear of the branch stacking and “didn’t envisage this sort of thing could happen”.

“It was amazing the size and scale of the operation,” Mr Bracks told Sky News.

Embattled MP Adem Somyurek was sacked by Premier Daniel Andrews after 60 minutes aired footage of Mr Somyurek handing over thousands of dollars in cash along with membership forms in a large scale branch stacking operation.

Cabinet minister Marlene Kairouz announced on Tuesday morning she would stand aside from her ministerial role while an investigation was underway.

Assistant Treasurer Robin Scott also announced his resignation amid the scandal.

Mr Bracks and former federal Labor Minister Jenny Macklin were on Wednesday appointed administrators of Victorian Labor, which will be overseen by the National Executive.

All staff and party officials are now required to report to them.

They will lead a review into the party and will hand down an initial report by the end of July which will include recommendations to improve integrity within the state party.

“If there is a problem with the organisation, and that’s what transpires, well then we’re the first to say let’s get on top of this and fix it,” he told Sky News.

“To ensure we have the best possible Labor Party branch in Victoria going forward.

“I think it can be an opportunity to have even more success by opening up the party and getting more members involved.”