MEDIA RELEASE – Minister Burke Hasn’t Asked for Review of Permit Despite CFMEU Official Being Charged with Violent Assault on Woman

Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash

Shadow Attorney-General

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate

Senator for Western Australia

MEDIA RELEASE

4 JUNE 2024

MINISTER BURKE HASN’T ASKED FOR REVIEW OF PERMIT DESPITE CFMEU OFFICIAL BEING CHARGED WITH VIOLENT ASSAULT ON WOMAN

Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke has not asked the Fair Work Commission to review its decision to grant a convicted criminal, who is now facing charges of violently assaulting a woman, a right of entry permit to building sites.

Answering questions from Shadow Minister Senator Michaelia Cash in a Senate Estimates hearing today FWC officials said Mr Burke had the power to appeal the decision but had not done so.

The case in question is that of Edmond Margjini, who was granted a right of entry permit to building sites as a CFMEU official in Western Australia in June 2023 despite a lengthy criminal history.

He has convictions between 2004 and 2017 for assault, breaching bail, driving while under the influence, trespass, stealing a car, driving without a licence, criminal damage, possession of a weapon and breach of a restraining order.

In December 2023, Mr Margjini was also charged over a violent home invasion and assault of a woman in Rockingham in 2011. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Senator Cash asked Minister Murray Watt, representing Minister Burke, if the Minister had any intention of appealing for Mr Margjini’s right of entry permit to be revoked. Mr Watt took the question on notice.

The FWC officials said that under section 605 of the Act the Minister may apply for a review of the decision by the FWC.

“The question Mr Burke should answer is why he has not asked for a review of this decision,’’ Senator Cash said.

“We are having a national conversation around violence against women, but so far Minister Burke has not been prepared to act in this case that relates to someone with a long criminal history who is now charged with a violent assault on a woman,’’ she said.

ENDS