- He said that he’d ensure Chief Liberal Fundraiser Barrie Macmillan would resign from the party after being caught soliciting donations from alleged organised crime figure Tony Madafferi.
"I think that he will move on and I think that would be the right thing to do. I'll talk to the state president about what we'll do today." (Matthew Guy, Wednesday 9 August 2017).
This was then confirmed by Liberal Party state director:
"I have today accepted Mr Barrie MacMillan's resignation.” (Simon Frost, Liberal Party State Director Wednesday 9 August 2017).
Fairfax reveals that Barrie McMillan continues to be an active Liberal Party member and was a delegate at the recent Liberal Party state conference. Media reports also highlight that Liberal Head office was unable to comment on whether Mr Macmillan continues to help fundraise for the party, or perform other roles. (The Age Thursday 24 August 2017).
- He said no donations were received. He lied.
“There have been no donations from any of these people, certainly in my time as Leader, in fact in my time as Planning Minister I understand as well.” (Matthew Guy, Tuesday 8 August 2017).
Fairfax reveals Frank Lamattina attended a $2,000-a-head fundraiser for the Liberal Member for Hastings. (Thursday 10 August 2017).
- He said he didn’t know alleged organised crime figure Tony Madafferi would be there.
“Tell me how would I know that? I’m sure every politician has dined with people who they didn’t know was going to be there.” (Matthew Guy, Tuesday 8 August 2017).
“I had to forward the names to [Matthew Guy’s private secretary], I had to do it all through [her], it was all kept fairly hush hush. Everyone I gave to [Mr Guy’s office]: Antonio Madafferi, that’s his full name; Frank Lamattina.” (Barrie Macmillan, recordings of phone conversations, published Tuesday 8 August 2017).
- He said it was a big group. He lied.
His office [Matthew Guy] also insisted yesterday that 20 people had attended, which today he amended to say over “a dozen, maybe more’. (ABC/Fairfax quoting Matthew Guy, Tuesday 8 August 2017).
Mr Macmillan repeatedly states on the transcript of the recording that a total of seven people were invited. (ABC/Fairfax, Tuesday 8 August 2017).
- He said it wasn’t a secret. He lied.
“I came in through the front door….there’s nothing secret about it. Everyone knows about it because it was pretty public.” (Matthew Guy, Tuesday 8 August 2017).
“I don’t want to put anything in writing here, so let’s just talk on the phone. [The Lobster Cave] gave us a very, very private table. No one really saw Matthew with any of these people. I was very conscious… I walked out with Matt when his driver came so the other people didn’t walk out with him… you know, I’m not stupid.” (Barrie Macmillan, recordings of phone conversations published Tuesday 8 August 2017).
- He said he didn’t drink red wine. He lied.
“I very rarely, if ever drink red wine.” (Matthew Guy, Tuesday 8 August 2017).
“I may have had a sip [of grange].” (Matthew Guy, Wednesday 9 August 2017).
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier James Merlino
“Matthew Guy has made clear that he will cut TAFE, cut schools, and cut hospitals – the only thing he won’t cut is his ties to alleged organised crime figures.”
“This proves yet again, you can't trust Matthew Guy.”
“In Matthew Guy’s Liberal Party if you criticise the leadership you get expelled, but if you solicit donations from alleged organised crime bosses you get protected.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020