T2

For this to be true, the NSW attorney general needs to be at the beck and call of the minister, and the NSW minister needs to be willing to risk his entire career for his federal colleague. Anything is possible, but this is highly improbable.

Brandis as Shadow attorney General is entirely within his rights to refer a case to the NSW attorney general, and it is entirely appropriate that he inform the minister that he is taking action in his state. If there were skulduggery I doubt he would have announced it.

Secondly is it not possible that Julia Gillard was trying to influence the fair work investigation when her staffer contacted the official?

Both are obviously fair questions SM. In the end the NSW Police have referred the matter to the VIC Police recommending that the matter of criminal prosecution be not pursued due to lack of evidence.

Unfortunately this renders the case against Thomson now defunct, and little more than political opportunism at it's worst. And the evidence presented by Brandis , specifically less than adequate evidentially to prove the alleged case against Thomson.

And whilst we are discussing probabilities, it's most probably in keeping with the Abbott tenure at the helm of the opposition, to consider any small distraction capable of distorting the course of the Labor Minority Govt, worth a try.

The bottom line for Australia , is that this is the last thing we really need right now.

Thinker2,

From the statements from the police, there is no criminal case as of yet, as it is not illegal for Thomson to use a credit card in his name to pay for prostitutes, neither is it illegal to approve the expenses if he has the authority to do so.

This is hardly an exoneration, it just means that he could spend union members funds with impunity.

What is more interesting is the revelations today that shonky contracts were awarded for which Thomson and Williamson allegedly got handsome back handers. This is all signs of endemic corruption in the unions, and government formed with ex union thugs of dubious ethics.

http://www.news.com.au/national/silly-me-accused-mp-told-police/story-e6frfkvr-1226133191756
I question Shadow Ministers thoughts on this link.
Give the total lack of room to move for a as yet not convicted ALP person.
To be honest I think she will escape prosecution.
Because of her illness/status/political party, not in the mood to add to her problems
However SM are you prepared to address these issues, how did a shadow attorney general not know it had to be Victoria not NSW investigating this matter.
Do you think SM intervention on this senators case by federal Labor to the extent your mob have would be acceptable?

Belly,

What point are you trying to make?

MJF will be tried and probably convicted, but is unlikely to get anything that will disqualify her. I am sure that if she is convicted, she will fact disciplinary action by the liberal party.

However, how does the theft of $92 compare with the systematic and organised fraud by Thomson and Williamson of $hundreds of thousands, and the abuse of funds by Ludwig.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national-party-mp-for-clarence-steve-cansdell-resigns/story-e6freuy9-1226138865091
I am sure Shadow Minister will be hurt, as I am.
Hope some one took the Halo opposition members are issued with back as the bloke left the house.
The link highlights a National member, under investigate leaving Parliament.
He actually took the blame!
We should all be aware far too many on both sides, sell us out for so little.