Justin Madden caught in Brimbank Council row

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Stephen McMahon

May 07, 2009 10:52pm

JUSTIN Madden has failed to act decisively after one of his key political staff was outed as a major player in a shocking misuse of power in the Western suburbs.

A scathing report by the Ombudsman found members of Brimbank council were downloading pornography on council computers and using taxpayer dollars to buy $900 Mont Blanc pens.

A senior member of Mr Madden's staff, Hakki Suleyman, who has a criminal conviction for assault and possessing an offensive weapon, has been found to have exerted significant influence on council matters.

The report also made a number of claims about his daughter Natalie Suleyman, a former mayor of Brimbank.

Ms Suleyman was criticised for bullying, using threatening behaviour towards staff and using council money to buy herself presents.

Despite a finding that Mr Suleyman directly interfered in council affairs, Mr Madden has failed to sever links with his long-time supporter.

Mr Madden would not comment to the Herald Sun yesterday.

Late tonight he contacted the Speaker of the Parliament to seek advice about whether Mr Suleyman had breached his employment contract.

In a statement, Ms Suleyman blamed a long-running vendetta from her political enemies for the allegations. Her father could not be contacted.

The Ombudsman also slammed a number of Labor MPs for using the councillors to act out personal vendettas.

The allegations have forced the Government to act to clean up its side of politics.

Premier John Brumby said the report would be adopted in full, including a ban on councillors working for MPs: "The behaviour that's occurred is not acceptable."

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