Icac witness John Hart appointed to vocational education and training board
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Version 0 of 1. A witness called to appear before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) next week was on Friday appointed by the federal government to the vocational education and training advisory board, and is a member of the prime minister’s business advisory council. John Hart is the chairman of the North Sydney Forum, a fundraising group attached to the North Sydney Liberal electorate and seat of the treasurer, Joe Hockey, and the chief executive of the hospitality lobby group Restaurant & Catering Australia Association. The witness list for next week’s Icac hearings, including Hart, was released on Friday afternoon, the same day that the federal government announced its appointments to the vocational education and training advisory board. Hart is one of the five appointees who will advise the government on reforms in the sector. “Board members bring a depth of experience from across the industry sector, in particular from areas where the need for highly skilled and productive workers is essential,” said the minister for industry, Ian Macfarlane. Hart is also on the prime minister’s business advisory council, which promises to “help restore a strong working relationship between business and government”. It’s expected Hart will be asked questions about a 2010 fundraiser the association held for former New South Wales police minister Mike Gallacher at Doyle’s restaurant in Circular Quay, and which was attended by executives from Buildev, the development company associated with Nathan Tinkler, reports Fairfax. Gallacher resigned in May pending investigations into his alleged role in facilitating donations. Buildev is alleged to have donated $66,000 to an alleged Liberal party slush fund, Eightybyfive, and has also been linked to a number of other Liberal party politicians who have been named by Icac. It has been illegal for developers to donate to NSW election campaigns since 2009. The North Sydney Forum offers access to Hockey, including “boardroom lunches” for a membership fee of up to $22,000. The chef and owner of Doyle’s restaurant, Peter Doyle, will also appear before the commission. Hart and the prime minister’s office have been contacted for comment. |