We hear all is not well at Labor think tank the McKell Institute, run by the ambitious Sam Crosby. A tipster tells us that the Australian Workers’ Union, a foundation sponsor of the institute, has pulled funding from the organisation, even though AWU national secretary Scott McDine is on the board, prompting concern at the institute that in difficult financial times, other unions may follow their example. But the AWU says it hasn’t pulled funding — yet. “The AWU National Office’s financial membership will elapse in November and renewal will be considered,” McDine told Crikey. “The AWU remains a strong supporter of the McKell Institute’s important work, and I am continuing in my role as director.”

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