Anthony Albanese says he has zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour within Labor, with the wheels in motion for a Victorian MP to be kicked out of the party over a branch-stacking scandal.
Adem Somyurek has been sacked from state cabinet after the explosive allegations, which he denies.
He's accused of handing over thousands of dollars in cash and using parliamentary employees to create fake branch members to gain influence within the Victorian branch of the Labor party.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews wants Mr Somyurek booted from the Australian Labor Party and has also referred him to Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog and police.
This includes the possible involvement of federal Labor MP Anthony Byrne, as some of the footage of Mr Somyurek is filmed in his office.
Mr Somyurek said he resigned from cabinet, which Mr Andrews vehemently denies.
Adem Somyurek. Source: AAP
"He's not worthy of an opportunity to resign. He was sacked," the premier said.
Nine's 60 Minutes and The Age report alleges Mr Somyurek boasted of having influence over federal Labor MPs from Victoria.
But Mr Albanese says Mr Somyurek, who is also a member of the ALP national executive, has no influence on any members of the federal Labor caucus.
"I have zero tolerance for any corrupt or inappropriate behaviour, any behaviour that brings the party into disrepute," Mr Albanese told the ABC on Monday.
"No-one watching that program outside of Victoria, including my federal colleagues, would have heard of this bloke, it is as simple as that."
The four federal MPs named in the reports have the leader's backing.
"They are doing a good job representing their local electorates and they deserve better than to be distracted by this bloke."
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack earlier called for an investigation into the allegations.
"There's obviously questions for Labor to address in this matter. And so they should. And you know, it's just not on," he told the ABC.
"Of course there should be an inquiry into it."
Branch stacking involves recruiting or signing up members for a local branch of a political party to influence the outcome of candidate preselections for parliament.
Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese Source: AAP
It is against Labor rules to pay for other people's memberships.
Party members are required to sign a form declaring they have paid for their own memberships.
Footage shows Mr Somyurek withdrawing $2000 in cash from an ATM on April 13, before handing it and dozens of party membership forms to an adviser working for fellow Labor minister Marlene Kairouz.
The adviser then delivers the forms and cash to ALP head office.
A similar cash drop-off reportedly occurred earlier in the year.
Labor's national executive said Mr Somyurek's behaviour was reprehensible.
"The national executive committee has taken further steps to ensure that there will never be a place for Mr Somyurek in the ALP ever again," party president Wayne Swan said in a statement.
"The conduct of Mr Somyurek is reprehensible and at odds with everything the ALP stands for."
