NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner Dr. James Cockayne is under fire from Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh, who demands his resignation over past Labor Party donations totaling $5,000 plus recurring payments. Singh argues Cockayne’s political ties undermine his impartiality, especially after Cockayne accused local berry farms—including Singh’s family business—of exploiting migrant workers. Cockayne defends himself, admitting his Labor membership but insisting he follows all disclosure rules and holds no party office. He claims his report was aimed at the Labor government, not personal vendettas. The dispute erupted after Cockayne’s damning parliamentary submission exposed systemic labor abuses in the region, prompting Singh to call it a political stunt. With both sides locked in a public battle over ethics and independence, the tension underscores the delicate balance between political affiliation and neutrality in public service.
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