Katter's Australian Party has strongly refuted allegations of significant connections to a political consultant with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, describing the links as "tenuous" and overstated.
The Consultant and Political Connections
The controversy centres around Townsville-based political consultant Ken Smith, who has previously acknowledged working with the Chinese Communist Party. Documents obtained by the Townsville Bulletin reveal that Smith's company, KS Consulting, received payments from Katter's Australian Party for campaign work during the 2020 Queensland state election.
KS Consulting was paid $12,100 by KAP for campaign services between September and October 2020, according to Electoral Commission of Queensland disclosure records. The work involved campaign strategy and media advice for KAP's Hinchinbrook candidate Jason McRae.
Party Response and Denials
KAP state leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter has vehemently denied any ongoing relationship with Smith or his consulting firm. "We've had no dealings with him for a considerable period of time," Mr Katter stated emphatically.
The party leader explained that the brief engagement occurred during a period when the party was seeking local expertise for their North Queensland campaign efforts. Mr Katter confirmed the party has had no contact with Smith since the 2020 election period, distancing the party from the consultant's international connections.
When questioned about Smith's background and political affiliations, Mr Katter responded: "I'm not across his personal circumstances or his dealings with other organisations."
Background of the Consultant
Ken Smith has been open about his work with the Chinese Communist Party, previously telling the Bulletin he provided "strategic advice" to the party. His consulting work has spanned various political campaigns and business ventures across North Queensland.
Smith's involvement in local politics has occasionally raised eyebrows, given his international connections. However, he has maintained that his work is transparent and legitimate.
The political consultant operates primarily from his Townsville base, serving various clients across the political and business spectrum in regional Queensland.
Political Implications and Security Concerns
The revelation comes amid increasing scrutiny of foreign political interference in Australia, particularly concerns about Chinese influence in domestic politics. Security experts have repeatedly warned about the potential risks of foreign political consultants operating in Australia's political landscape.
However, KAP leadership has dismissed any suggestion that their brief engagement with Smith posed security concerns or represented anything more than standard political consulting. The party maintains that the relationship was purely professional and limited to local campaign strategy.
No evidence has emerged suggesting the consultant influenced party policy or had access to sensitive information during his brief engagement with KAP. The party insists the relationship was transactional and time-limited.
Broader Political Context
This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing debates about foreign influence in Australian politics. Several political parties have faced questions about their connections to individuals with ties to foreign governments, particularly China.
The Australian government has strengthened foreign interference laws in recent years, requiring greater transparency about relationships with foreign political organisations. However, the laws primarily focus on direct foreign government influence rather than individual consultants.
KAP officials emphasise that their engagement with Smith predates the most recent strengthening of foreign interference legislation and was properly disclosed through standard electoral funding reporting channels.
Moving Forward
Katter's Australian Party appears determined to put the matter behind them, with leadership stating unequivocally that they have no current relationship with Smith and no plans to engage his services in the future.
The party continues to focus on its core platform of advocating for regional Queensland interests, particularly in areas like agriculture, resources, and regional development. KAP remains a significant political force in several North Queensland electorates, where they hold state and federal parliamentary seats.
As Australia continues to navigate complex international relationships and domestic security concerns, political parties face increasing pressure to scrutinise their associations and ensure transparency in their consulting arrangements.
