House of Merivale
Merivale’s pokie empire expands to Rose Bay
Billionaire Justin Hemmes has become one of the largest individual gambling machine operators in the state.
- Harriet Alexander, Nigel Gladstone and Eryk Bagshaw
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- Exclusive
- Justin Hemmes
The fire station in the middle of Justin Hemmes’ expanding Byron Bay empire
Justin Hemmes bought two tin-roofed beach shacks in Byron Bay for $3.6 million. Now the fire station next door is being relocated.
- Eryk Bagshaw
- Exclusive
- NSW
Justin Hemmes wants to conquer Byron Bay. A primary school is in his way
Justin Hemmes has spent the past four years snapping up $60 million worth of property in Byron Bay.
- Eryk Bagshaw
Merivale dropped from Good Food Guide
Australia’s largest hospitality company has been excluded from the Good Food Guide following claims it exploited workers and prioritised VIP treatment over staff safety.
- Erina Starkey
- Exclusive
- Justin Hemmes
How Merivale’s powerful political ties helped move a light rail stop
The hospitality giant’s chief executive, Justin Hemmes, has spent a decade cultivating his contacts at the top of the Liberal Party.
- Eryk Bagshaw
- Investigation
- For subscribers
How a cricket bag full of cash helped spawn Merivale’s multibillion-dollar empire
Just how the Hemmes family’s property portfolio has grown from one small pub in 1972 to more than 80 hospitality venues today has long been the stuff of intrigue.
- Lucy Macken
- Exclusive
- Mark Speakman
Liberal leaders distance themselves from Hemmes as Merivale faces investigation
NSW Liberal leader said he would back “any worker who speaks up” in relation to the Merivale allegations, months after the billionaire hosted a party fundraiser.
- Eryk Bagshaw, Jessica McSweeney and Bianca Hrovat
- Exclusive
- National
The criminals, MPs and VIPs: How Justin Hemmes went from party-boy billionaire to political operator
As the head of the Merivale empire’s political capital rose, so did the future criminals who swelled the membership ranks of its private club, Level 6.
- Eryk Bagshaw, Bianca Hrovat and Natalie Clancy
- Investigation
- Merivale
Mexican chefs were sold the Australian dream by Merivale. It was all ‘smoke screens and make-believe’
Fair Work is investigating one of Australia’s largest hospitality companies over fresh claims of underpayment and exploitation.
- Bianca Hrovat, Eryk Bagshaw and Natalie Clancy
- Exclusive
- Sex, sleaze and hospitality
‘One step from being a brothel’: Sex, drugs, harassment alleged in Ivy penthouse
An extensive investigation has revealed claims of exploitation of female staff at hospitality giant Merivale. The company denies this.
- Eryk Bagshaw and Bianca Hrovat