Australia’s workplace watchdog is trying to revoke a right-of-entry permit granted to a Perth union official who a police prosecutor alleges was a standover man for bikies.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is targeting Edmond “Monty” Margjini on the grounds the former Albanian cage fighter is facing charges relating to a violent home invasion during which a woman was attacked in Rockingham.
The Ombudsman has filed an application in the Fair Work Commission seeking the suspension of the right of entry permit which had been issued to the CFMEU officia.
“On June 4, 2024, Mr Margjini was committed to stand trial on four serious criminal charges,” the Ombudsman’s office said in a statement.
“Mr Margjni has pleaded not guilty to each of the charges and the matter will be the subject of a trial in the Western Australian District Court.
“The FWO has determined to seek orders from the Fair Work Commission suspending Mr Margjini’s right of entry permit until the finalisation of the criminal proceedings.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman is of the view that a suspension of the permit is appropriate given the public interest in ensuring the integrity of the privileges afforded to permit holders under the right of entry framework in Part 3-4 of the Fair Work Act.
A conciliation hearing is scheduled for July 30.
“It is not appropriate to comment on the matter further,” the Ombudsman’s office said.
“Improving compliance across the building and construction industry is a priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman, and we will investigate reports of non-compliance and hold to account those who act outside the law.”
Mr Margjini, 46, was arrested just before Christmas after fresh forensic evidence allegedly linked him to a towel stuffed into the mouth of the victim in the Rockingham incident in June 2011.
He has been working as a CFMEU official and is seen regularly at city work sites.
“It’s no wonder every worker prefers EBA jobs — they guarantee fair wages and safe working conditions,” Mr Margjini recently posted on Facebook.
“Our union leaders fought tirelessly to secure them. I’m proud to support their efforts and continue the fight for workers’ rights.”
In April, Mr Margjini pleaded not guilty to the allegations from June 2011. He is accused of entering the Rockingham home dressed in a black balaclava and armed with a machete.
The police prosecutor told the court at the bail hearing that Mr Margjini, had been a “standover figure” for outlaw motorcycle gangs which caused “victims and witnesses to withdraw their prosecutions”.
Police told the court that he threatened the woman, allegedly holding the weapon against her throat and demanding money. The court was told that when the woman tried to fight back, Mr Margjini tried to shove a towel into her mouth.
It was this item cold-case detectives had re-examined, which was found to contain DNA that allegedly matched the former Sword Boy.
Mr Margjini has been charged with deprivation of liberty, aggravated burglary, criminal damage and attempting to steal.