Newly elected Cockburn Labor MP David Scaife has used parliamentary privilege to launch a scathing attack on a Perth restaurateur in an extraordinary maiden speech to Parliament, describing the man as a “lawbreaker” who is unfit to run a business.
Bradley Wright is the general manager of The Local Shack chain of burger restaurants, which has four locations across Perth including Joondalup, Hillarys, Mandurah and Scarborough.
The Local Shack.Credit:Marta Pascual Juanola
In 2019, a WAtoday investigation revealed serious allegations from dozens of former staff including non-payment of overtime, bullying, high turnover and a toxic workplace culture that impacted workers’ mental health.
Over 2018 and 2019, the chain and Mr Wright were ordered to pay a combined $45,200 in compensation and fines in the Federal Court and Fair Work Commission for three unfair dismissals.
One of these was the case of migrant cook Lovanitasing Veeraragoo, who told the Federal Court Mr Wright threatened to revoke sponsorship of her 457 visa and claimed her sacking contributed to suicidal thoughts.
Mr Scaife was an industrial relations lawyer before entering politics and successfully sued The Local Shack and Mr Wright on behalf of Ms Veeraragoo for $20,000 in fines and $8000 in compensation.
Under parliamentary privilege, Mr Scaife blasted Mr Wright’s actions during the case, claiming the restaurateur ignored and evaded the proceedings, continually raised irrelevant matters and was eventually declared bankrupt and to date had not paid Ms Veeraragoo a cent.
“There are few people whom I hold in greater contempt than employers and managers who use their power to bully and exploit the vulnerable,” he said.
“Mr Wright is a lawbreaker, a bankrupt and an unfit person to operate a business.
Labor MP slams ‘lawbreaker, bankrupt’ Perth restaurant boss in maiden speech - WAtoday
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