Transparency International Australia statement on payments from Mr. Packer to President Netanyahu's law firm
The reports of monthly payments totalling USD $1.25 million (AUD $1.8 million) from James Packer to the law firm representing President Netanyahu on corruption charges must be thoroughly investigated by authorities said Transparency International Australia.
“Foreign donations, gifts and payments to politicians create clear conflicts of interests, increase the risk of foreign bribery, and foreign interference. They also erode the public's trust” said Clancy Moore, CEO of Transparency International Australia.
“There are already significant corruption charges still pending against Mr. Netanyahu relating to past gifts from Mr. Packer, and other business associates. These new allegations must be thoroughly investigated by authorities.”
Israeli authorities have repeatedly ruled that Mr. Netanyahu can’t use funds from foreign benefactors to fund his legal defence against corruption charges due to conflict of interests and his failure to disclose his wealth.
The public has the right to know how money influences politics. Information about sources of funding provides important context for making informed decisions at the ballot box and holding power to account.
Under Australia’s foreign bribery laws, it’s illegal to make payments to a foreign official with the intent to obtain business, or personal advantage that is not legitimately due.
Payments from US bank accounts or US based companies to foreign officials, or entities acting on their behalf, to win contracts or preferential treatment on deals, can also come under the scope of the US Foreign Corruption Practices Act (FCPA).