Marlene Kairouz

Marlene Kairouz (born 2 March 1975) is a former Australian politician. She was a Labor member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly between 2008 and 2022, representing the electoral district of Kororoit. She was the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation between 2016 and 2020.[1]

The Honourable
Marlene Kairouz
MP
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation
In office
20 June 2016 – 16 June 2020
PremierDaniel Andrews
Preceded byJane Garrett
Succeeded byMelissa Horne
Minister for Suburban Development
In office
29 November 2018 – 16 June 2020
PremierDaniel Andrews
Preceded byLily D'Ambrosio
Succeeded byShaun Leane
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly
for Kororoit
In office
28 June 2008 – 26 November 2022
Preceded byAndre Haermeyer
Succeeded byLuba Grigorovitch
Personal details
Born (1975-03-02) 2 March 1975
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Political partyLabor Party
EducationRMIT University
OccupationHistologist
Websitewww.marlenekairouz.com.au

Political career

Kairouz was first elected to the Legislative Assembly at the 2008 Kororoit by-election, triggered by the resignation of former minister Andre Haermeyer.

Prior to entering state politics she had been elected to the City of Darebin in 1998, serving as mayor from 2001 to 2002 and again from 2006 to 2007. Kairouz was an official with the Victorian branch of the Shop Assistants' Union from 2004, and was promoted to become an organiser in 2005 before her election to Parliament. Kairouz has been a state and national Australian Labor Party conference delegate, and previously served as the Junior Vice-President of the Victorian ALP.

In 2001, Kairouz was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to local government.

In June 2016, she was appointed to the First Andrews Ministry as Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation.[2] In September 2017, she was appointed as the Minister for Local Government. In November 2018, she retained her consumer affairs, gaming and liquor regulation portfolio in the Second Andrews Ministry, and was also appointed Minister for Suburban Development.

Racism controversy

In October 2017, Kairouz was embroiled in a controversy regarding her advice not to open doors to Irish people, following claims that a spate of thefts were being caused by travelling con artists with Irish accents.[3][4] She issued an apology on Twitter.[5] The incident received widespread media coverage in Australia and Ireland.[6]

Branch-stacking allegations

In June 2020, an adviser working for Kairouz was alleged to have facilitated branch-stacking. The adviser is alleged to have obtained money from Adem Somyurek in order to purchase party memberships.[7] Kairouz has rejected claims she was involved, and the matter has been referred to IBAC and Victoria Police.[8] She resigned from the cabinet on 16 June 2020.[9]

She was a person of interest in the IBAC investigation, Operation Watts.[10]

References
  1. "Member Profile - The Hon. Marlene Kairouz". www.parliament.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  2. "Marlene Kairouz to replace Jane Garrett in Victorian Cabinet". ABC News. 20 June 2016. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  3. "A warning to householders about a pest that thrives as we approach summer; travelling conmen". 31 October 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
  4. Denise Calnan (31 October 2017). "Australian MP sparks backlash for her 'anti-Irish' comments". Irish Independent. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
  5. "Australian minister apologises for 'Irish accent' comments". RTE. 31 October 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
  6. "Australian minister tells homeowners to 'automatically' tell Irish people to get away from their door comments". The Journal.ie. 31 October 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
  7. Ilanbey, Nick McKenzie, Sumeyya (14 June 2020). "Secret tapes, carpark cash drops, ministers threatened: inside Victoria's stackathon". The Age. Retrieved 15 June 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. Fowler, Sumeyya Ilanbey, Noel Towell, Michael (15 June 2020). "Adem Somyurek sacked and referred to police: Premier". The Age. Retrieved 15 June 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. "Marlene Kairouz quits cabinet in wake of Adam Somyurek branch-stacking scandal". ABC News. 16 June 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  10. Mills, Tammy (3 November 2021). "As it happened: Kairouz evidence held behind closed doors after concerns for welfare". The Age. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
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