Salim Mehajer has 'zero regrets' about lavish lifestyle choices and council decisions ahead of public inquiry
Auburn’s ex-deputy mayor Salim Mehajer said he has “zero regrets” about his extravagant lifestyle that has brought ongoing controversy to his family and his council.
As he prepares to face a public inquiry this week into misconduct at Auburn council, Mehajer defended his actions and lifestyle choices that have made headlines over the past 12 months.
“(I) most definitely have zero regrets. If I could go back in time and change anything there would be not one thing I would change,” he told The Daily Telegraph.
Mehajer first came to attention in August 2015 with his lavish wedding that involved an array of luxurious sports cars, motorbikes, helicopters and even a sea plane.
Cracks in the developer’s reputation first started to show when it was revealed he closed off a street in Lidcombe for his wedding party without gaining council permission.
He was also denied permission to land the helicopters on a nearby oval – but he demanded they land anyway.
"It was what it was, the wedding got out of control," he said at last week’s private hearing.
Both aspects of the wedding will be discussed at this week’s inquiry, which Mehajer said he was “rather looking forward to”.
“It is out of my best interest to attend the public inquiry and give evidence to ensure that both my constituents and the minister know the facts behind any and all aberrations,” Mehajer said.
While his net wealth is not known, documents detailing his business ventures reveal he owned or had stakes in 24 properties and had shares in at least 19 companies and trusts, according to the Telegraph.
The inquiry is investigating allegations that some councillors, including the flamboyant deputy mayor, were making planning and development decisions to benefit themselves or their families before the council was sacked in February.
Mehajer celebrated his 30th birthday on Monday in a quiet celebration with his closest friends and family.
The uncharacteristic low-key occasion was in stark contrast to his wife’s $50,000 birthday bash in March, where US musicians Tyga and Omarion made an appearance.
