The Economic Development Minister, David O'Byrne, today welcomed the findings of a Fair Work Australia investigation into a legitimate donation from the former Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union to his 2010 election campaign.

The report confirms Mr O'Byrne rightly absented himself from the decision to donate in May 2009, and indicates that all United Voice (previously LHMU) Branch Executive members acted in good faith.

"I'm pleased that Fair Work Australia has processed this matter in a timely manner, and I fully expected this outcome," Mr O'Byrne said.

"It confirms there was no wrongdoing, and no so-called 'secrecy' about the union's donations to Labor candidates.

"This was simply a case of working Tasmanians using a democratic process to support candidates who share their values and commitment to working people.

"I'm proud of my deep connection to the trade union movement, and thankful for its support.

"It's a far cry from the Liberal Party's dirty addiction to tobacco donations.

"The Liberals' only motivation for referring this matter to Fair Work Australia was to achieve a few days of malicious smear in the media.

"While they play the usual nasty smears, Labor is getting on with a positive progressive agenda to provide opportunities, combat discrimination, and support working Tasmanians," he said.

The Australian Electoral Commission also recently dismissed the matter outright, after a similar vexatious referral by the Tasmanian Liberals.

The Fair Work Australia report officially finds:

• (That) former Branch Secretary, David O'Byrne, absented himself from the room at the time of the resolution on 26 May 2009 authorising the donations (although the minutes do not accurately reflect Mr O'Byrne's departure).

• (That) there is no suggestion that members of the Branch Executive have not acted in good faith.

• (That) Branch members were actively involved in the process surrounding the endorsement of candidates by the Branch. This included discussion at open meetings, and further notification in a branch newsletter in March 2010 of the names of endorsed candidates.