Justin and Robert Mammarella among four people charged by IBAC in Labor printing rort probe

A Labor candidate who pulled out of the state election race for “family reasons” is one of four people charged by Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog as it probes an alleged printing rort.

A Labor candidate who pulled out of the state election race for “family reasons” is one of four people charged by Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog as it probes an alleged printing rort.

Justin Mammarella, who had been Labor’s candidate for the safe seat of Melton, was last week charged by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission with perjury, conspiring to mislead IBAC and conspiring to ­attempt to pervert the course of justice.

The Herald Sun can also reveal his father, Robert Mammarella — who was the office manager for former Labor upper house MP Khalil Eideh — is facing the same charges.

IBAC CHARGE FOUR IN CASH-FOR-STACKS PROBE

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IBAC laid charges last week after its 15-month Operation Naxos investigation into the alleged “cash-for-stacks” scheme, which was revealed by the Herald Sun last year.

Justin Mammarella, a former Melton mayor, had won a preselection battle to replace ex-Labor MP Don Nardella, who retired from politics after an expenses scandal. Picture: Supplied

Whistleblowers alleged parliament had been billed for false ­invoices for printing work that had never been done, with taxpayers’ money ­instead funnelled to pay for Labor Party memberships.

The scheme allegedly involved invoices worth as much as $200,000.

It is understood IBAC is continuing to probe the printing rort allegations.

On the first day of the new Parliament, Premier Daniel Andrews faced questions on whether Justin Mammarella withdrew from the election race knowing he would be charged.

“He made it very clear to the state secretary of our party that for family reasons he had decided to put his family ahead of his political ambition,” Mr Andrews said.

“He was not a Labor Party candidate at the time of the election, he has not been elected to Parliament.

“He is a private citizen, he is the subject of ongoing matters.

“I really can’t provide any further comment than that. I think you clearly understand to do so would be to cut across work that will have to go on before the courts.”

Angela Scarpaci, who is understood to have been helping Justin Mammarella with his election campaign, was also charged with perjury, conspiring to mislead IBAC and conspiring to attempt to pervert the course of justice.

It is believed she had also worked briefly in Mr Eideh’s Western Metropolitan office.

The other person charged was Jeffrey O’Donnell, who was an electorate officer for Mr Eideh. He is also facing the same offences.

Robert Mammarella (left) was the office manager for former Labor upper house MP Khalil Eideh. Picture: David Smith

Three of the four people were also charged with disclosing a restricted matter, ­although IBAC would not confirm who was accused of that offence.

Justin Mammarella, a former Melton mayor, had won a preselection battle to replace ex-Labor MP Don Nardella, who retired from politics after an expenses scandal.

But Mr Mammarella dropped out of the race just a month before the November 24 state election, with Labor secretary Samuel Rae saying he had “withdrawn his candidacy for family reasons”. Sources told the Herald Sun at the time that his father was ill.

Justin Mammarella had worked for federal Labor MPs Andrew Giles and Kim Carr, while also serving as campaign project manager for the party’s Victorian branch.

Robert Mammarella, Mr Eideh and the printing business’s owners have denied any wrongdoing.

The Herald Sun was unable to reach the people who were charged on Tuesday. They will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court next month.

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Originally published as Justin and Robert Mammarella among four people charged by IBAC in Labor printing rort probe