Fair Work begins court action against Thomson

[Neferti]

Fair Work Australia has laid civil charges against independent MP Craig Thomson over allegations he misused funds when he was national secretary of the Health Services Union.

Mr Thomson has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to claims he spent union funds on prostitutes, expensive travel and hospitality.

FWA general manager Bernadette O'Neill says the claim against Mr Thomson includes 37 alleged breaches of the duties imposed on officers of registered organisations and 25 alleged breaches of union rules.

"I have not taken this action lightly," Ms O'Neill said in a statement.

"I am satisfied that it is in the public interest to pursue the allegations in the documents filed in the Federal Court today and consider that there is a reasonable prospect of success.

"If successful, I will be seeking the imposition of pecuniary penalties relating to each of the 37 alleged contraventions where penalties are available.

"I will also be seeking orders requiring Mr Thomson to pay compensation for losses allegedly incurred by the HSU by reason of the alleged breaches of general duties should they be proven."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-15/f ... on/4313948

[Neferti]

The HSU: anatomy of a Labor nightmare

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-03/t ... re/3986558




Claims of sex, corruption and intrigue surrounding the Health Services Union have haunted the Federal Government for three years.

The scandal appeared headed into its endgame earlier this year as police raided the union's Sydney offices and Fair Work Australia released its damning 1,100-page report into former national secretary, now suspended Labor MP, Craig Thomson.

At the centre of the scandal are the union's troubled HSU East branch and four major players:

suspended Labor MP Craig Thomson;
powerbroker Michael Williamson;
national secretary Kathy Jackson; and
acting national president Chris Brown.

[mellie]

Fair Work Australia has laid civil charges against independent MP Craig Thomson over allegations he misused funds when he was national secretary of the Health Services Union.

Mr Thomson has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to claims he spent union funds on prostitutes, expensive travel and hospitality.

FWA general manager Bernadette O'Neill says the claim against Mr Thomson includes 37 alleged breaches of the duties imposed on officers of registered organisations and 25 alleged breaches of union rules.

"I have not taken this action lightly," Ms O'Neill said in a statement.

"I am satisfied that it is in the public interest to pursue the allegations in the documents filed in the Federal Court today and consider that there is a reasonable prospect of success.

"If successful, I will be seeking the imposition of pecuniary penalties relating to each of the 37 alleged contraventions where penalties are available.

"I will also be seeking orders requiring Mr Thomson to pay compensation for losses allegedly incurred by the HSU by reason of the alleged breaches of general duties should they be proven."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-15/f ... on/4313948

Note the difference between civil and criminal charges/law here in Australia, and how 'Fair Work' are treating Mr Thomson with kitten gloves.

"I have not taken this action lightly," Ms O'Neill said in a statement.

[Neferti]

Kitten gloves?

[mellie]

Kitten gloves?

Kitten Gloves. To handle something with the utmost care and gentleness.

[Neferti]

OK, have it your way but I think the term is kid gloves.

[Aussie]

Fair Work Australia has laid civil charges against independent MP Craig Thomson over allegations he misused funds when he was national secretary of the Health Services Union.

Mr Thomson has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to claims he spent union funds on prostitutes, expensive travel and hospitality.

FWA general manager Bernadette O'Neill says the claim against Mr Thomson includes 37 alleged breaches of the duties imposed on officers of registered organisations and 25 alleged breaches of union rules.

"I have not taken this action lightly," Ms O'Neill said in a statement.

"I am satisfied that it is in the public interest to pursue the allegations in the documents filed in the Federal Court today and consider that there is a reasonable prospect of success.

"If successful, I will be seeking the imposition of pecuniary penalties relating to each of the 37 alleged contraventions where penalties are available.

"I will also be seeking orders requiring Mr Thomson to pay compensation for losses allegedly incurred by the HSU by reason of the alleged breaches of general duties should they be proven."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-15/f ... on/4313948

A very clear indication that Police are not interested in charging him with any criminal offence. I'd say this vindicates Thomson, and makes FWA appear vindictive. Ho hum...........

[Neferti]

I wasn't commenting, Aussie, I just posted what the ABC said!

I am not sure we are allowed to comment on whether he is innocent or guilty since it is before the Court. No doubt Animal Mother will let us know.

[Rorschach]

i thought the police investigation was still ongoing?

[Aussie]

i thought the police investigation was still ongoing?

I say that this action by FWA tells us all that the police investigation is going nowhere..................if the Police intended to charge Thomson criminally, FWA would not have initiated these civil proceedings