pelican I agree with most of your post.
Remember the thread is from Shadow Minister.
A rusted mind like a very old gate never to open again.
I however see it the duty of every union to look with full vision at the HSU/ETU/CFMEU.
And to never let the infection darken their doors.
I know it has, for some, more pain may come.
But with no doubt too the good within the trade union movement out weights the bad and ugly.

True Belly. One bad union does not indicate a problem with other unions but it does demonstrate that attention is needed in reporting processes otherwise nobody would ever know if there was rorting. Same goes for any organisation, not just unions.

Pelican:

You said "Why should Gillard apologise for Williamson any more than Abbott should apologise for Jones? "

Easy, Williamson was Federal ALP president at the time of his crimes, Jones is not even a party member.

We seem to have a conviction already, charged one day and guilty the next. Why spend time and money on courts. Thomson was guilty from a corrupt document from FWA, so why are the courts taking so long to charge him.
This would be the only place to find someone guilty before they are charged.

Gillard did extremely well in the debate that took the place on question time today.
Abbott did very badly.
It however highlights just how bad the hung nature of this Parliament has let us all down.
Also that, you may disagree, our two unwanted leaders survive ONLY because they are opposed by , one another.
One gos the other must, the election is far from assured.
But I remain with no doubt, Labor lead by Gillard can not win.

the handbag brigade now have to protect Slipper, Thompson, the trade unions etc etc. Oakshott and Windsor have again demonstrated how willing they are to compromise on any issue in order to cling to power. What an emasculated gutless group of men we have in power. Give me good husbands and fathers any day than emasculated whimps in Parliament being henpecked by feminist.