Libs want investigation of Kivalu money

The ACT opposition has called for an investigation into whether an ex-union organiser charged with blackmail spent alleged proceeds of crime at trade union or Labor clubs.

Canberra Liberals leader Jeremy Hanson has written to ACT Gambling and Racing Commission boss Greg Jones requesting an investigation into claims by Halafihi "Fihi" Kivalu at the royal commission into union corruption that money he obtained was spent on the pokies.

If the claims are true, it's possible the pokies were owned and operated by the CFMEU or the ACT ALP through their licensed gambling clubs, given Kivalu was a union member and president of the ALP's Dickson Morning sub-branch, Mr Hanson said.

"There is potentially $60,000 of the proceeds of crime sitting with the Labor party or with the CFMEU," he told AAP on Monday.

Kivalu has pleaded not guilty to two charges of blackmail.

Mr Hanson says the CFMEU has "extraordinary" influence over the ACT ALP, providing tens of thousands of dollars in funding.

"There are serious questions to be asked of the Labor Party," he said.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the Liberal Party was using the royal commission for political purposes.

"I think it's unfortunate for the entire union movement collectively that the alleged behaviour of a small number of individuals is tarnishing the reputation of a century old movement that has advanced the rights and interest of working Australians," he said in a statement.