Amid a heated debate around migration numbers, local Liberal MP and shadow minister for migrant services, Jason Wood, declared his family’s stake in a company that assists migrants in securing visas.
The register of members’ interests reveals that Wood’s wife, Judy Cheung-Wood, is a director and significant shareholder of Ringwood-based company Ferntree Migration.
The consultancy firm assists migrants in securing their visa, from the application process to as far as “reviews concerning refusals or cancellations,” the company website says.
Wood made the declaration in December 2023, the ASIC registry further confirms Cheung-Wood’s directorship alongside Cathrine Burnett-Wake, a former State Liberal MP who appears to be the face of the company.
The company was registered with ASIC in August 2023, since that time, Wood has been the opposition’s spokesperson on migrant services, multicultural affairs, and community safety.
A spokesperson for the Liberal Party told the Age an “administrative error” had resulted in the interest being declared outside of the required time.
“Mr Wood’s wife’s business dealings are a matter for her, and he does not involve himself in the business,” the spokesperson said.
The Coalition has wedged the Albanese Government heavily on migration, with the promise to significantly cut numbers down as a core part of their platform.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has previously been critical of the appeals process for visas, particularly for international student numbers where he suggested it is like the “modern version of the boat arrivals.”
The Age reports Cheung-Wood has a 50 percent stake in the company according to the ASIC registry.
If the Coalition were to form government this election and Wood were to be elected, there is a possibility he could take on his respective portfolios on the frontbench.
“At all times, Mr. Wood has complied with his obligations as a Member of Parliament and a Member for the Dutton Shadow Ministry,” a spokesperson said.
“Any conflict of interest would be managed in the appropriate way in a Dutton Government.”
