David Collard and Defence Minister Richard Marles (Image: Private Media) Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles most likely wishes his former friend David Collard would disappear altogether, but just this week came the revelation that the disgraced businessman, whom Marles once described as “values-driven”, surfaced in New York court documents showing he’s being sued for over US$209,000 (A$320,000) for not paying the lease on his Rolls Royce Ghost Black . No doubt it was partly the penchant for flashy status symbols like a Rolls that attracted Marles in the first place, given he’s not known for his subtlety. But as the Australian Federal Police remain tightlipped over their ongoing pursuit of Collard’s Scale Facilitation, the association continues to cast a shadow over the defence minister’s credibility.
Marles the hawk Opposite Marles’ desk in his ministerial office in Parliament House is a small bookshelf which a government source labels his “shrine to America”. There are US flags, photos of Marles stateside shaking hands with government officials, a Statue of Liberty figurine, assorted American memorabilia, and US history books. Lots of them.
It’s a tangible symbol of his regard, bordering on obsession, for all things American and Uncle Sam. Marles promised a better, more accountable Defence. It’s worse and more secretive Read More In the lead-up to the 2022 election, the Coalition tried to paint Marles as some sort of Manchurian candidate under the inf.