GREENS Leader Bob Brown faces a possible investigation by the Senate’s powerful privileges committee over an allegation he used his parliamentary position to advance the interests of a major political donor.
Senate President John Hogg today approved a motion by Liberal Senator Helen Kroger, which will seek to have Senator Brown explain his alleged advocacy for Wotif founder Graeme Wood, a $1.6 million Greens donor.
Senator Brown’s only hope of avoiding referral to the chamber’s disciplinary committee is if he can secure Labor support to fend off Senator Kroger’s motion.
The motion asks the privileges committee to investigate whether Senator Brown sought improper benefit from Mr Wood on the understanding he would act on his behalf, or whether Mr Wood sought to improperly induce Senator Brown in the discharge of his duties.
The allegations relate to Mr Wood’s purchase of the Triabunna woodchip mill from Gunns Ltd for an eco-tourism venture.
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has accused the Greens of lobbying on behalf of Mr Wood’s interests in relation to the purchase through parliamentary questions and press releases.
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The privileges committee has the power to reprimand or censure Senators
