NEWS Bring him to Australia Territorian
A TERRITORIAN who was among nearly 800 people who lost their jobs at the Yabulu refinery says it would be “hugely important’’ for fugitive businessman Clive Mensink to be brought back for questioning.
Sam Larkin’s comments come amid news Mr Mensink may finally be brought to account in Australia, with authorities preparing potential charges against him that would clear the way for his extradition.
The Sunday Territorian can reveal a legal path has been identified for getting the runaway nephew of Clive Palmer back to Australia from Europe, where he fled two years ago following the collapse of Mr Palmer’s company Queensland Nickel.
We can also reveal that Mr Mensink has – at least temporarily – left Bulgaria, where he has been hiding out for most of his time on the run, crossing the border into Macedonia earlier this month with two younger local men.
He has avoided two Federal Court arrest warrants in Aus- tralia after failing to appear in court for questioning on the company’s collapse, which left 800 people out of work.
However, in recent weeks authorities have upped the pressure on Mr Mensink. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is now considering issuing a summons that would compel him to return.
Ms Larkin, who has moved to the Territory to get work, said: “We’ve been waiting for justice and fairness.
“We are waiting with bated breath for him to be dragged to court. The day he is in court, I will get on a plane to be there.
“If he had any respect at all for our laws and legal system, he would have shown up when first called and given evidence.”
The shortfall in payments from the Federal Govern- ment’s entitlement protection scheme left her $8000 out of pocket. “It’s a lot of money for the average worker. It’s nothing to Clive,” she said.
The total amount unpaid is $10 million – with individuals owed up to $30,000 depending on length of service.