Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended an exclusive dinner at the Sydney waterfront mansion of Felix Lee, the son of Chinese billionaire Phillip Dong Fang Lee. Felix Lee has reportedly pledged approximately $1 million to the Labor Party, a contribution that sources suggest secured the Prime Minister's attendance at the event. The dinner took place on a Monday evening at Mandalay, the Lee family's Point Piper estate overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Among the reported eight guests were Commonwealth Bank chief executive Matt Comyn, former Victorian premier Dan Andrews, former ASIC chairman James Shipton, and former Future Fund chairman David Murray. The Lee family purchased the waterfront mansion in 2015 for $39.9 million.
The Prime Minister's office stated that they do not comment on private dinners. A spokesperson noted that donations are a matter for the Labor Party and will be disclosed in the usual manner.
This event occurs as senior Labor figures have been critical of One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's ties to mining magnate Gina Rinehart. Hanson was recently photographed on holiday with Rinehart in Sicily and attended a Dolce & Gabbana event with her. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor criticized Hanson for "living it up," but Hanson countered by questioning Albanese's relationships with businessmen Anthony Pratt and Twiggy Forrest, and his attendance at radio host Kyle Sandilands' wedding.
Hanson defended her association with Rinehart, emphasizing that she declared any support received and expressed appreciation for it. She described Rinehart as a "very proud, patriotic Australian."
The Lee family has previously faced scrutiny over business dealings. Phillip Lee was a subject of inquiries into Star Entertainment, where he reportedly gambled over $2 billion across 15 years. In 2021, his Australian assets were frozen due to a $272 million tax debt. Federal Court freezing orders had previously targeted properties linked to Phillip Lee, his wife Xiaobei Shi, and their associated companies, including their Point Piper mansion, as well as luxury vehicles and a Star City Casino account.
Felix Lee has also encountered regulatory attention for a $4 million investment in a banking venture that surrendered its license after concerns were raised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.