Glen Potter, the New South Wales (NSW) President of the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), has been charged with weapons and proceeds of crime offenses following a police investigation.
Incident Details
Potter's arrest on Monday stemmed from a report by emergency services who attended his Mount Ousley home a day earlier for a kitchen fire. Firefighters reportedly found weapons stored unsafely at the property.
NSW Police subsequently executed a search warrant, which led to the discovery of: numerous firearms, firearm parts, large quantities of ammunition, firearms-related paraphernalia and $121,650 in cash, which police allege to be the proceeds of crime.
According to Shadow Attorney-General Damien Tudehope, 167 guns were found at the residence.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Mr. Potter, 66, faces six charges, including failing to keep licensed guns safely and dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was granted conditional bail in a Sydney bail court on Tuesday.
Bail conditions require him to:
- Report to Wollongong Police Station three times a week
- Surrender his passport
- Refrain from consuming drugs or alcohol
- Avoid entering places that sell firearms or purchasing any firearms.
He is scheduled to reappear in Wollongong Court on March 17.
Statements and Context
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the charges against Mr. Potter as "very serious." Minns stated that Potter is not an associate or friend. When asked about donations, Minns affirmed he would reject donations directly from Mr. Potter but maintained that the ETU as an organization should not be barred from donating to NSW Labor, citing that the actions of one member do not implicate the entire organization.
The ETU NSW issued a statement confirming that its president is taking a "leave of absence" and will not be involved in the Union's financial, operational, or governance matters, nor represent the ETU officially during this period.
The ETU has a historical alliance with the Labor Party, though their relationship has reportedly seen recent fractures.