Employees of a company in liquidation of which Charles Wright is a director are owed more than $20,000, mainly in annual leave, according to the liquidator.
Mr Wright is the chairman of the ACT Tourism Advisory Board. His appointment came under fire by the Opposition in the ACT Legislative Assembly this week.
The company Canberra Mail and Print Pty Ltd went into liquidation the month before the Chief Minister, Rosemary Follett, appointed him. On Thursday she cited his “”excellent reputation as a businessman” as one of the reasons for the appointment.
The liquidator, chartered accountants Rangott, Eustace, Cawthorn and Cvitanovic, revealed also that in addition to the money owing employees, the company owed $176,960.55 in group tax that had not been paid over an extended period, including months that Mr Wright was director. On Thursday, Mr Wright said, “”All employees were satisfied as far as I’m aware.”
Three former employees backed up the liquidator’s statement. Chris Schmid (subs correct), Sally Nicholls and Noeline Erland said they were still waiting for payment of wages, holiday and long-service entitlements.
They condemned Mr Wright for saying, as he did on Thursday, that “”it is up to the liquidator and receiver to deal with these things”.
They said it was an abrogation of his responsibilities and offensive to his former staff who had given long and loyal service.
Ms Nicholls said she had worked for 10 years and was owed $1800; Ms Schmid had worked 15 years and was owed $3000 and Ms Erland had worked three years and was owed about $300.
The gist of the former employees’ statements was conveyed to Mr Wright’s office for comment, but he did not return the call last night.
In the Assembly, the Opposition questioned Mr Wright over references to him in the report of the Royal Commission into WA Inc and over two companies of which he was a director.
Mr Wright and the Government have defended his appointment. Mr Wright said the Royal Commission made no adverse finding about him and he had co-operated with it. Ms Follett said that the increase in tourism figures showed Mr Wright’s effectiveness in the job.