This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/09/victorian-mp-cesar-melhem-resigns-as-government-whip
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Victorian MP Cesar Melhem resigns as government whip | Victorian MP Cesar Melhem resigns as government whip |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| Victorian government whip Cesar Melhem has resigned, denying allegations that he was part of a deal which saw thousands of workers shortchanged out of $2m a year in penalty rates. | |
| During hearings at the royal commission into trade union governance and corruption last week, it was alleged that during his time as state secretary of the Australian Workers’ Union, Melhem negotiated a deal that saw workers at a cleaning company denied $2m in penalty wages. | |
| In return, the union received $25,000 each year from the company, called Cleanevent Australia, payments which were described as membership fees. The company was closed in 2013. | In return, the union received $25,000 each year from the company, called Cleanevent Australia, payments which were described as membership fees. The company was closed in 2013. |
| On Tuesday morning following an early morning government caucus meeting, Melhem issued a statement saying he had resigned, citing “continuing press speculation”. | On Tuesday morning following an early morning government caucus meeting, Melhem issued a statement saying he had resigned, citing “continuing press speculation”. |
| “After consulting with my family and colleagues over the weekend, I called the Premier last evening and advised him of my intention,” Melhem said. | “After consulting with my family and colleagues over the weekend, I called the Premier last evening and advised him of my intention,” Melhem said. |
| “I have formally advised the caucus this morning. | “I have formally advised the caucus this morning. |
| “I have made this decision as I believe that the continuing press speculation about my role in the government has the potential to distract the Andrews government from the important task it undertakes on behalf of the people of Victoria. | “I have made this decision as I believe that the continuing press speculation about my role in the government has the potential to distract the Andrews government from the important task it undertakes on behalf of the people of Victoria. |
| “I again deny any allegation of wrongdoing made against me at the trade union royal commission.” | “I again deny any allegation of wrongdoing made against me at the trade union royal commission.” |
| Following the meeting, Victorian premier Daniel Andrews was expected to announce a new government whip within hours. | Following the meeting, Victorian premier Daniel Andrews was expected to announce a new government whip within hours. |
| Melhem’s resignation follows the sacking of small business minister, Adem Somyurek, by Andrews last month. | Melhem’s resignation follows the sacking of small business minister, Adem Somyurek, by Andrews last month. |
| Somyurek was stripped of his portfolio following allegations of bullying against him, which he denies. | Somyurek was stripped of his portfolio following allegations of bullying against him, which he denies. |
| Andrews was criticised by the opposition for taking decisive action against Somyurek while allowing Melham to remain in his role despite the mounting allegations against him. | Andrews was criticised by the opposition for taking decisive action against Somyurek while allowing Melham to remain in his role despite the mounting allegations against him. |