TWU calls in ex-judge to probe branch

‘Deeply disappointed and concerned’: TWU’s national leaders order probe into Victorian division.

Mem Suleyman.

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The Transport Workers Union’s national leadership has ordered an internal investigation into the scandal-plagued Victorian division in the wake of its state secretary being stood down amid allegations of “harassing behaviour”.

The union’s national committee of management said it was “deeply disappointed and concerned” by the dramatic events that led to the fall of state secretary Mem Suleyman and it had called in a former judge to probe the division.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the national leadership revealed that a range of counter allegations had been made since Mr Suleyman’s exit and the internal working relationships at the Port Melbourne-based union had “irretrievably broken down”.

“The Transport Workers Union is deeply disappointed and concerned by these events,” a spokesperson for the national committee of management said.

“Allegations of harassment were made against the Secretary of the Transport Workers Union Victoria/Tasmania branch on Friday afternoon, since then counter allegations have also been made.

“Without passing comment on the veracity of the allegations, it has become clear that the working relationship between the branch secretary and the (state) committee of management has irretrievably broken down.”

The union’s national leadership revealed it has called in its national ombudsman, retired Judge Frank Marks, to investigate the division and the allegations.

“That will go to the heart of the allegations as well as reviewing the governance and culture of the branch,” the national spokesperson said.

Mr Suleyman, who is also one of the most influential figures within the Victorian ALP, was stood down last Friday from his $236,000 a year job after the state committee of management received a range of allegations against him, including that he had engaged in “harassing behaviour”.

In a statement last week, the Victorian 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.