Senior Minister Backs Labor's Acceptance of Union-Linked Donation
Housing Minister John Carey has publicly defended Western Australia's Labor Party over its controversial decision to accept a substantial $20,000 donation from a law firm that is wholly owned by the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).
The donation, which was made in November 2024 by Eureka Lawyers, has raised significant questions about political integrity and transparency, coming just three months after Premier Roger Cook made a firm public commitment to cease accepting any financial contributions from the CFMEU as it entered administration.
Premier's Pledge Under Scrutiny
Financial disclosure documents obtained by The West Australian have confirmed that the CFMEU holds all shares in Eureka Lawyers, directly linking the law firm to the union. This revelation has placed intense pressure on the government to explain how accepting funds from this entity aligns with Premier Cook's earlier promise.
When questioned extensively by journalists, Minister Carey maintained a consistent position, stating that the donation was a matter for the WA Labor Party to handle internally. He emphasised that the party had received legal advice indicating that Eureka Lawyers operates as a separate legal entity, distinct from the CFMEU itself.
"The Premier's promise still stands firmly," Mr Carey asserted. "Donations are ultimately a matter for the WA Labor Party, but the clear advice provided is that this is a separate legal entity, and therefore we stand by that assessment."
Close Ties Between Firm and Union
Further investigation reveals that Eureka Lawyers' office is located immediately next door to the CFMEU's Western Australian headquarters in Perth. The union actively promotes the law firm on its official website and across various social media platforms.
In one promotional Facebook video, the CFMEU explicitly describes Eureka Lawyers as its partner, highlighting the deep operational and promotional connections between the two organisations despite claims of legal separation.
The WA branch of the CFMEU was placed into administration in August 2024 following serious allegations of criminal links involving its east coast counterparts, which prompted Premier Cook's original donation ban pledge.
Party and Firm Officials Respond
WA Labor State Secretary Mark Reed provided a detailed statement defending the donation, describing it as being conducted at arm's length from the CFMEU. He stressed that Eureka Lawyers functions as an independent commercial entity with its own revenue streams and client base.
"Eureka Lawyers is a highly successful law firm in its own professional right, which services most unions operating within Western Australia," Mr Reed explained. "It is established as a separate legal entity, and no director of Eureka Lawyers currently holds any official position within the CFMEU hierarchy."
Eureka Lawyers director Alex Illich echoed this sentiment, stating firmly that the CFMEU exercises no control or oversight over the firm's operations. "Eureka Lawyers is proud of its position as the largest labour law practice in Western Australia," Mr Illich said. "We represent a diverse range of clients, including members of the public and various unions. Eureka is governed by its own completely independent board of directors."
Mr Reed concluded by reaffirming that WA Labor has not accepted any direct donations from the CFMEU since Premier Cook's public announcement, maintaining that this donation from a legally separate entity does not constitute a breach of the pledge.
