http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/jailed-hsu-boss-michael-williamson-was-mot...



MICHAEL Williamson defrauded millions from the union protecting some of the state’s lowest paid workers to ensure his private school educated children did not suffer from “financial hardship”, despite his $500,000 salary.


they forgot plus perks...

what a horrible toad this person is..I cant even call him a man...

and the left think a UNION investigation is a witch hunt..

Will this royal commission be shut down when it implicates big business?

Fit of Absent Mindeness wrote on Mar 4^th, 2014 at 11:59am:


Rhetorical question, huh????

Lobo wrote on Mar 4^th, 2014 at 3:46pm:




??????????? oh I dunno...


Govt announces union royal commission
10 Feb, 4:11 PM 7
PoliticsNational Affairs
The federal government has formally announced the terms of reference for a royal commission into union governance and corruption.

Retired High Court judge Dyson Heydon will head the inquiry.

Attorney-general George Brandis said a royal commission was the best method to investigate the problem of corruption in unions.

"A royal commission is precisely the right mechanism to deal with a problem that is widespread, systemic and ingrained acorss a variety of institutions," Mr Brandis said.

Prime minister Tony Abbott said the inquiry was essential to ensure observance of the law in an area with a "culture of cover-up".

"This is a government which is absolutely committed to the rule of law," Mr Abbott told reporters in Canberra.

The terms of reference specifically mention the Australian Workers Union, the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union, the Electrical Trades Union, the Health Services Union and the Transport Workers Union.

The commission can also examine any other person, association or organisation against whom credible allegations of misconduct are made.

Financial management and accountability in spotlight

In particular, the focus is on financial management, the adequacy of existing laws for accountability of union officers, whether any entities set up by unions have been used for unlawful purposes and whether funds of such entities have been used to further the interests of any people.

It's also been asked to look into bribes and illegal behaviour.

Employment Minister Eric Abetz said union members had a right to know their fees and officials were serving their correct purpose.

As well, shareholders needed assurances that corporate funds were not being diverted to pay union officials for favours.

The royal commission would look at unions and employers alike, Senator Abetz said.

"This is a sword that will cut both ways," he said.

Attorney-General George Brandis said a royal commission was the "right mechanism" to deal with allegations of widespread, systemic and ingrained wrongdoing across a range of institutions.

"This is not a question of sporadic cases, this is a matter of a widespread culture which requires the powers and the thoroughness of a royal commission," Senator Brandis said.

Opposition calls for a joint police task force to investigate the allegations were dismissed by the government, which said the royal commission would work with police.

"This mechanism is the most thorough going and pervasive mechanism to get to the heart of this problem, to throw a spotlight on it," Senator Brandis said.

The Business Council of Australia welcomed the announcement, saying it wide-ranging investigation was clearly warranted, "given the serious and broad nature of the allegations coming forward about the conduct of officials in key unions".

“As well as looking at the specific allegations which have come to light, the Royal Commission must investigate the systemic governance and accountability failures which have given rise to such serious misconduct, criminality and corruption," BCA chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.

Abbott targets report by year-end

Mr Abbott wants the commission to begin its work as quickly as possible and report by the end of the year.

"But obviously once the commission's work begins it will be up to the royal commissioner," he said.

Unions named in the terms of reference, such as the TWU and HSU, were there because there has been allegations involving them.

Mr Abbott said the royal commission would not compromise or further delay current police investigations.

"There is no reason why a royal commission cannot run concurrently with police investigations and indeed prosecutions.

cods wrote on Mar 4^th, 2014 at 10:18am:



Some of the rorting that has happened at Unions is truly appalling.

You have to remember as well that the HSU Membership money comes from people who push trolleys and clean toilets in our public hospitals.

Some of the lowest paid people in the country and their money was just squandered on hookers and business class flights.
It's pretty sickening how people can do that kind of thing.

St George of the Garden wrote on Mar 4^th, 2014 at 10:32pm:



this thread happens to about Williamson..its noticed you cant find a thing wrong with him.. just others

what have you to say about THIS THREAD?

we know stop the witch hunt.he really is a decent guy?

Lobo wrote on Mar 4^th, 2014 at 3:45pm:



see what I mean...

HE WAS POOR so even his mates agree he had every right to steal...on ya lefties.