Sam Rae silent on ‘great mate’ Mem Suleyman

Federal Labor MP Sam Rae has failed to offer public support to stood-down Transport Workers Union chief Mem Suleyman despite effusive praise on social media.

Labor MP Sam Rae, left, with Mem Suleyman.

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Federal Labor MP Sam Rae has failed to offer stood-down Transport Workers Union chief Mem Suleyman public support for a second day in a row.

Despite repeatedly paying tribute to his Victorian factional ally in federal parliament and on social media, the member for Hawke has not offered Mr Suleyman any public backing since the latter was stood down by the union’s committee of management on Friday.

The Australian left text and voice messages with Mr Rae, who has previously described himself as a “proud” member of the TWU, on Sunday and Monday asking whether he still supported Mr Suleyman. He did not respond to the questions.

Mr Rae has heaped personal and political praise on Mr Suleyman since been elected in the 2022 federal election.

During the campaign, Mr Rae posted a photo of the two arm in arm as they campaigned in Hawke. “Proud as punch to be out at Melton with my amazing mate Mem Suleyman. This bloke fights every day for working people,” he declared in the post.

“The TWU and the entire union movement have been sensationally supportive of our campaign in Hawke; I’m deeply grateful.”

Mr Rae has also repeatedly paid tribute to Mr Suleyman in parliament over the past two years, giving him a “special shout out” and describing him as a “dear friend” and a “great mate”.

Mr Suleyman was stood down from his $236,000 job as state ­secretary of the TWU on Friday amid allegations of “harassing ­behaviour”.

In a statement after showing him the door of the union’s Port Melbourne headquarters last week, the committee of management said: “Late on Friday, the TWU became aware of allegations regarding its Victorian Secretary. The TWU strives for the highest levels of governance. The union is not yet in a position to assess the allegations and is seeking further clarity.”

Mr Suleyman has not made any public comment since Friday, but he has told union and political allies that he intends to vigorously contest the allegations in a bid to clear his name.