And a cause for concern for any political leader. In December last year, Labor senator Sam Dastyari quit Parliament after a series of revelations about his links to Chinese Communist Party-aligned interests in Australia. One of his problems – of which there were many – was a June 2016 press conference he gave to Chinese media outlets in which he backed Beijing's aggressive posture in the South China Sea, in stark contradiction to Labor policy. While there is no suggestion Mr Yang has altered any of his public policy positions as a result of his membership of two pro-Beijing groups, one of them has published a public statement in which it "resolutely opposes the show of force and military provocations by the United States in the South China Sea to threaten China's sovereignty and core interests". Although Mr McGowan is right when he says Australia has recognised the Chinese Communist Party as the government of China since 1972, relations between the two nations – and China's ambitions – have moved on significantly since the days of Gough Whitlam.

Political leaders must keep a close watch on those relations, and carefully guide novice MPs who may not understand the nuances of national security and international diplomacy. Although, it's arguable any MP worth their salt would have concerns about an organisation making pro-Beijing statements like those above. There are other complexities here of which Mr McGowan would no doubt be mindful. Mr Yang's influence within the Labor Party and its powerful left faction is growing. Meanwhile, Mr McGowan is in conflict with right-wing unions on fracking and retail trading hours.

Labor insiders have been watching Mr Yang’s branch activity with interest for some time. For about two years he and his organisers have been recruiting significant numbers into Labor branches. It is understood he is looking to open branches in the left-controlled Curtin electorate after establishing himself in branches in Hasluck. It is also understood Mr Yang, who is a member of the influential United Voice union, has been told to rein in the number of guests he brings to Parliament after hours. He did not deny any of this when it was put to him.

"I’m proud of my activity in the party," he said. Loading "It is important that all Australians of every social and cultural persuasion have an equal voice in the political process. "I also try to make sure as many people as possible have access to me and fellow MPs at Parliament; it is the people’s house, and all Western Australians should feel welcome." In 2008 Mr McGowan, who was then the Education Minister in the Carpenter Government, accused late Morley MP John D'Orazio of being the "worst ethnic branch stacker in the history of WA Labor".