EXPOSED: Erik Locke is Barred Up

The Australian today reveals ethics concerns over the involvement of lobbying firm CPR Communications in a seedy bar in Melbourne's CBD:

MPs raise a glass to gossip
Rick Wallace
March 26, 2007

A POWERFUL lobbying and public relations firm run by one of Steve Bracks's closest friends has taken its trade to a new level by setting up a bar called Cabinet for ministers, staff and journalists to exchange gossip. (OC: And swap cash/grog for decisions, some say)

The bar - set up by the head of CPR Communications Adam Kilgour - is in a secluded (OC: Rick Wallace is so polite, it's filthy) laneway in the central business district of Melbourne.

The other three people involved in the bar are the head of CPR's Melbourne office, Neil McCarthy, and CPR employees Erik Locke - a former ALP state secretary - and Josh Williams.

An invitation to the bar's opening tomorrow night (OC: obtained by the OC and pictured above) predicts it will soon become a prime venue for political wheeling and dealing among Victoria's political elite. (OC: Those who like whips perhaps)

"Traditionally, cocktails have been shaken and stirred. Now they're going to get spun," it reads.

"Welcome to Cabinet, the latest addition to Melbourne's thriving bar scene ... a place for journos, politicians and business people where the stock in trade is good gossip and excellent food and drink." (OC: And more comps than a Vegas casino)

But the bar has ruffled some feathers within the Bracks Government, with some of the invitees concerned it is a "bad look" amid controversy surrounding political lobbyists following the Brian Burke saga in Western Australia. (OC: Bad look is one term for it, perhaps an equally bad look would be to set up a cash dispenser outside 1 Treasury Place where you just insert your building pass and 20 C-notes come your way)

It is understood invitations to the bar's opening have been sent to a multitude of government staff members, although it is not known if any ministers or MPs were invited. (OC: Verily, it seems that many Socialist Left MPs have been invited to suck on Erik Locke's teat)

Mr Kilgour worked as Mr Bracks's media adviser when Mr Bracks made the transition to Labor leader after John Brumby resigned in 1999. (OC: And he's been cashing in like a bandit so to speak ever since)

The Liberal Party has often attacked the Bracks Government for awarding government contracts to Mr Kilgour's firm. (OC: A practice that could cost them many free drinks and the occasional whipping)


BAR OF SHAME
The bar of shame is reputed to reflect the lifestyle and passions of former ALP State Secretary and vanquished anono-web-slagger Erik Locke.

A cover charge of $29 is priced to keep all but the elites of government decision-making (and those willing to pay them off) from penetrating the confines of the Locke compound.

A preponderance of black leather is promised on the above-pictured copy of the invitation which promises to attract considerable interest from bikie gangs, fans of the Village People, Erik's chums whom he takes to the Spring Racing Carnival and others enjoying the sado-masochistic pleasure of Erik Locke's company.

CORRUPTION BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
While the debauchery of this house of ill-repute will concern many, there are serious public policy issues at stake.

Will someone like Terry Moran, the head of the Department of Premier, be offered a drinks card? Or his own black leather clad companion? While some decision-makers like the Director of Strategy in the Premier's office, Tom Cargill will have the integrity to decline invitations, the prospect of unlimited drinks which CPR quietly picks up the tab will surely be extremely tempting.

It is well worth considering that a similar establishment in Perth would have been the subject of enormous public scandal. To say nothing of the listening device monitoring in the walls, the bar, any light fittings and chairs of the facility that would inevitably occur. Whether Victorian law enforcement bodies have a similar degree of interest in "Cabinet bar" remains to be seen. They certainly should.

Victorian government advisers, public servants, CPR clients, politicians associated with the Socialist Left and journalists keen on identifying their sources in full public view will no doubt be thrilled to be seen at this den of sin down one of Melbourne's filthiest City laneways.

Those not intrepid enough to make the journey themselves will be pleased to know that members of the OC Investigations Unit will be closely monitoring the situation and making frequent reports from the establishment.

Game on.