Cesar Melhem: Daniel Andrews says he has other fires to fight first

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has publicly distanced himself from colleague Cesar Melhem.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. ‘It’s not appropriate at all for any politician to be running off at the mouth.’

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has publicly distanced himself from colleague Cesar Melhem as the ­former union boss faces possible criminal charges flowing from the trade union royal commission.

Mr Andrews yesterday dismis­sed the plight of the former Australian Workers Union Victorian secretary as a low-order issue.

The Premier, while facing a bushfire challenge in the state’s southwest, had the opportunity to back Mr Melhem and condemn the royal commission. Instead, he revealed that he had not spoken to Mr Melhem, and declared there were bigger issues on his mind.

He said Mr Melhem would continue as an upper house MP while he tried to clear his name.

“I’ve been rather busy dealing with the fact that there are significant (challenges) today and the next few days,” Mr Andrews said.

“These other matters — frankly, they’re not very high on my list. There is a process to be gone through here, as these are serious issues, and they ought to be dealt with by relevant authorities, and I’m confident they will be.”

Mr Melhem faces investi­gation for up to 11 offences. The commission has been highly critical of his behaviour as a former AWU secre­tary, urging he be investi­gated for three alleged ­instances of receiving corrupt commissions during his dealings with companies.

He has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and will continue to fight any charges.

The AWU also has been ­accused of up to 14 offences, including criminal wrongdoing. The commission has recommended authorities, including police, investigate whether charges should be laid.

Mr Melhem was criticised by the commission for payments made to the AWU by companies including Cleanevent and the ­Thiess John Holland joint venture on Melbourne’s EastLink road project a decade ago.

Mr Andrews said it was not up to politicians to give running commentaries about potential courts cases, despite the state and federal Coalition calling for Mr Melhem to be kicked out of the Labor Party.

“It’s not appropriate at all for any politician to be running off at the mouth about matters that may well finish up the subject of charges and facing the Victorian courts,” Mr Andrews said.

Mr Melhem has key supporters in the government who are backing him to stay, but the Left faction believes he will act as a serious drag on the government in 2016.