By Belinda Nolan
ALP identity Hakki Suleyman is suing Victoria’s Parliament for lost earnings after being sacked as an electorate officer following the Ombudsman’s scathing report into Brimbank Council.
The father of former Brimbank Mayor Natalie Suleyman, Mr Suleyman is awaiting a final hearing date after filing a discrimination claim at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Mr Suleyman is seeking $600,000 in lost earnings and compensation after being sacked from his position as an electorate officer in the office of former Planning Minister Justin Madden in 2009.
Lawyer George Defteros said Mr Suleyman had lodged the discrimination claim against the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the President of the Legislative Council and the State of Victoria.
Mr Suleyman is claiming he was unfairly dismissed due to his political activities and media attention surrounding the Ombudsman’s report.
Handed down in May 2009 the controversial report accused Mr Suleyman of inappropriately influencing the council. Mr Defteros said Mr Suleyman was pleased the case was finally getting underway after months of waiting.
“It’s been a long drawn-out process but Hakki is finally going to get the chance to put his case,” Mr Defteros said.
The case is expected to be heard in April or May.
