Row erupts after Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation donation of $16,500 to WA Labor in December

A row has erupted over a Kimberley Aboriginal group’s five-figure donation to WA Labor, with the Liberal Party questioning whether it amounted to a “siphoning” of taxpayer funds. The West Australian can reveal that the Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation, based in Fitzroy Crossing, donated $16,500 to Labor in December. Marra Worra Worra chief executive Clinton Wolf, who has been described as a “very good friend” by Premier Roger Cook in State Parliament, said the payment was towards Kimberley MP Divina D’Anna’s re-election campaign. “Divina’s done a great job, we want to support her,” Mr Wolf said. “Marra Worra Worra generates its own income and should be able to support whatever cause it likes.” The Corporation’s latest financial report, lodged in December, reported total revenue of $32 million in the first six months of 2024, including $11.3 million from grants. Shadow Attorney-General Nick Goiran questioned whether taxpayer money was being used for political purposes. “Once again, Roger Cook has questions he needs to answer,” he said. “Given that the annual reports of Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation confirm that a substantial portion of their income is derived from grants and given this donation would be the corporations single biggest expense of the year, is Premier Cook satisfied that this sizeable donation complies with the laws of our land or even passes the pub test? “Does the Premier support organisations receiving grants, only to see that taxpayer money siphoned into the pockets of WA Labor?” The Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations confirmed funds can be used “at the discretion of directors” to carry out the corporations objectives. But, with reference to its status as a registered charity, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission website states “it’s not OK” to have a “purpose” to promote or oppose a political party or candidate. Mr Wolf argued the corporation was not breaking any rules. “The organisation generates significant money over and above Government grants,” Mr Wolf said. “How the organisation chooses to spend its money is up to it, provided its compliant with the rules and objectives of the organisation. “I don’t really care what the Liberal Party says. It’s track record in Indigenous affairs is poor at best, the Liberal Party doesn’t pass our pub test either.” Marra Worra Worra lists its purposes as community services, employment, hospitality and tourism, housing and tenancy, transport, training and disability advocacy. In September, Ms D’Anna cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Night Space pilot program for youth in Fitzroy Crossing, which police have credited with driving down crime in the area. “The Marra Worra Worra program is a program of which I am particularly fond,” Mr Cook said in October. “It is run by a very good friend of mine, Clinton Wolf, who never misses an opportunity to let me know about the great work that program is doing, or about more opportunities to fund it.” Mr Wolf said the Corporation’s donation was never discussed with Mr Cook. “I just find it laughable. Marra Worra Worra is spending all this money in the community . . . You didn’t see the Liberal Party saying that doesn’t pass the pub test,” he said. Labor said the donation was entirely above board. “WA Labor discloses donations in accordance with the WAEC. How organisations, companies or individuals choose to donate their money to any political party is a matter for them,” a spokesperson said. “The State Government’s electoral donation reforms were opposed by the WA Liberals. They have no standards when it comes to ensuring transparency of donations.” The Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation is also a 12 per cent stakeholder in the Leedal Unit Trust, which owns the Fitzroy River Lodge. The Lodge also recorded a $16,500 donation to WA Labor, again on December 10. “What Leedal does with its money and how it distributes it is up to it,” Mr Wolf said. Mr Wolf is also managing director of the National Indigenous Times, which — according to public records — has donated $5000 to the WA Liberal Party.