[twitter-follow screen_name=’madwixxy’ show_count=’yes’]
As I mentioned in my last post, I will keep you up to date on any response from Michael Smith.
Last night I had a chat with Michael on some of the matters I raised in my post.
Firstly, I’d like to thank Telstra for delivering a voicemail late. Thanks.
Michael Smith tried to phone me on Tuesday night at around 9pm, unfortunately I was alerted to this not by my phone, but by Michael tweeting me last night…
I returned Michael’s call and we had a brief chat, that despite all the yelling, the abuse, and the foul language in the end solved little… Actually, I’m only joking, do not quote me on that please. I know many will be waiting for me to say how arrogant he was, how he lied constantly, and how he is in it up to his eyeballs, prepare to be disappointed, as I will call it as I see it.
My conversation with Michael was friendly and open, and I have to say that I thought he seemed like quite a down to earth bloke, not what I had imagined after “Go Back to Where You Came From”. In fact he was the kind of bloke I think I’d enjoy a beer with, actually I even offered just that.
Smith had been having trouble with his emails coming via his domain, something that has been sorted out now, that is why there was the delay in response time. Although getting back to me within 48 business hours I thought was fine at any rate.
Michael Smith. Look no horns…
Smith is no doubt a busy man, and so I assume sometimes he finds it easier to phone than to type a response, I am usually the same. So I am not expecting him to respond to all of the questions I asked in the email, however he responded to much of what I was after on the phone.
His opinion of the arrest was that he thought that it was the way things work regarding the procedure of seeking information. Therefore the arrest is legitimate in his mind.
These are not Smiths words, but to me that says that Thomson should have jumped up and gone to Melbourne to help explain once again what he had already explained numerous times. The fact that it was during the Xmas break did not matter, apparently Vic Police can’t afford to send someone to investigate and ask questions. I don’t tend to agree with that, and if that is standard operating procedure in Victoria, it needs to change.
In regards to the warrant where the box marked “The person is avoiding the service of a summons” has been ticked, Smith believes that this box was simply ticked by mistake.
Oops, wrong box
I’m sorry, I don’t believe that for a second, I think that this box was deliberately ticked in order to cover the lie about the summons that they claimed to have done in December and never issued. I don’t think a Police Officer with that much experience, or a Judicial Officer makes such a dumb mistake on a routine form, especially not on a case with this much profile.
In regards to their friendship, and time at the same station when Smith was a cop, Smith says he was unaware of Tyquin when he was there.This came up when they met to discuss Smith providing a statement regarding Thomson.
As Smith tells it, the conversation went along like general chatter, Tyquin asking him about where he was stationed when in the force. It turned out they discovered they had been at the same station, but didn’t know each other, kind of like meeting someone years later that went to your high school but you never knew whilst at school.
I believe his version of events regarding this, as it sounds totally normal and plausible. Although Smith didn’t say this, in hindsight this may have been what motivated him to put up the “full disclosure”, in case someone like myself found that link from his past.
In regards to the police statements regarding the Thomson interview on 2UE, Smith said this is procedure. As Smith performed the interview, his statement was needed in regards to verifying it was a legitimate recording of the interview.
Smith was also keen to say that he had no ties whatsoever with Kathy Jackson and is not aligned with her in any way.
When I asked his opinion on the evidence against her, he said he had not seen it, only what had been put in my most recent article regarding him, and he had not yet had opportunity to thoroughly go over it. However he is happy to look at the information, and I will be sending him more also.
Neranto, Child Care, Cash Cheques…. Not Me
Overall, I thought our chat was positive, and I hope he feels the same although I’m pretty sure he would.
In a democratic society there will always be differing opinions, that is healthy, it is how we handle them that is important.
I respect those with a different opinion to me as long as they show respect back, both Michael and I can be abrasive and also take the piss at times, I’m sure he won’t mind me saying that. However I admire someone who can be not just tolerant in a pleasant manner, but genuinely friendly despite disagreeing on much.
I have dealt with a few from the “let’s get Thommo” side of the debate before, I’ve been misquoted, had my mobile number posted under a post that accuses me of stalking children, and received more than my share of abuse.
Michael Smith, for what it’s worth, I disagree with your politics and much of what you say, but for the way you have handled criticism and been so cool-headed and friendly about discussing these matters, you have my utmost respect.
Think I’d better buy me a lottery ticket.
[twitter-follow screen_name=’madwixxy’ show_count=’yes’]
In a further update to this post, I’d better buy me some humble pie as well, as i have had to make a correction re my previous post.
I hope this encourages others to correct their errors in a similar manner, not try and bury their mistakes where nobody will notice.
Correction Notice
It has been pointed out to me by a bloke named Bill on my comment site that I have royally screwed up. Turns out he’s right.
In my last post I had mistakenly not realised that there are 2 charges per sheet on the bulk of the Thomson charges sheets uploaded on Michael Smiths website, and the number of charges in fact totalled 154.
I apologise to Mr Smith, and to you all for my error, it was certainly not my intention to make such a huge dick of myself as I have clearly done in this case. If I make an error, I always correct it as soon as possible.
I have removed the incorrect part from the post now.
Thanks
Wixxy
Follow @madwixxy
He stayed pretty cool calm and collected in the face of Jon Faine’s foolish diatribe also.
If Smith believes Thomson should have gone to Victoria to answer questions and because he didn’t the arrest was legitimate then he must be very angry and confused why an Archbishop has not been arrested, considering children rather than fraud is involved
“In 2010, Archbiship Wilson, Bishop Malone and Father Lucas became the subject of a police investigation over allegations that while working in the diocese, they failed to report McAlinden to police despite being aware that he had repeatedly abused children.
Archbishop Wilson has refused to be interviewed by police about the allegations and denies involvement in a cover-up.”
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/archbishop-called-to-face-coverup-inquiry-20130213-2edc3.html#ixzz2Kp5HF3fz
Maybe so, but I have to take it at face value…
It would be dishonest of me to report it any other way
Great point Sue
Just one correction Wixxy – it wasn’t Tyquin that filled in the bottom bit of the Warrant where the box is ticked, that’s the role of the Judicial Officer who issues the warrant, that bit of the form is the actual warrant instructing members of the police force. Tyquin would not have touched it.
Thanks, Ive ammended it now. I appreciate your response
As long as the truth is the final winner it doesn’t concern us that there are a few bends in the road.
Who ever ticked the wrong box – is obviously incompetent…how could a professional serving officer get something so vital so wrong. Just disgraceful that such a spectacle resulted from “someone ticking the wrong box”. Oops sorry to create such a humiliating experience…for heavens sake heads should roll over this debacle
I think that Smith like yourself operates intellectually on the same level, he is not Hadley. He is obviously in a different league so It’s no surprise to me he is charming and measured. I knew Stan Z and he was the opposite of his theater personality, in fact he was a beautiful bloke. It would not serve Mitchael well to be obstinate to you as it would do his brand he is building a great deal of harm. There is no doubt in my mind that Michael is working toward a career in politics. What I will say Wixxy is it is blatantly obvious to me that you are a gifted investigative new media journalist and he has afforded you the respect you reserve, especially in regards to this matter. Keep with it, its such an important issue. He may just learn some new facts from you so it serves him well. Keep up the good work mate, we in the 5th estate fill the void of the rotting carcass of MSM.
Thanks Ricky 🙂
One comes across many “Smiths” in one’s travels…”positive..cool-headed…can handle criticism”..that sort of thing..and will remain that way…..so long as they have the weight and protective power of those who wield such power.
I’d be “positive” too if I had the list of “friends” that Michael has…I’d be downright effusive w/positivism!….Murdoch?..tick!….Abbott?..tick!…Police mates?..tick!….comments for cash?..tick!
Bloody hell!…what a great day!…hello sky!..hello twittering birdies!….Goodbye Thommo!
Well, I don’t know about you fellows, but..I..am going down to “The Club” to have a Scotch-on-the-rocks out of a cut-crystal tumbler w/..”The Boys”….toodles!
Senator Brandis!….. tick!
He comes in handy, as he has direct contact with States Attorney Generals
I THINK MICHAEL SMITH IS BRILLIANT.
And would the venerable Archbishop have been strip searched after his more than justifiable arrest??????
the question that begs to be answered is how the Victoria Police department could claim economic rationialism (and therefore not send officers for a one-day pickup of Thompson during the holiday period) yet still afford to send 5 officers (is that the correct number) to Terrigal overnight to manage an interception the following afternoon (co-incidentally precisely when Mr Abbott was addressing the Press Club (if you can call them “Press”)?
sounds more like economic irrationality than a cost saving measure.
or perhaps there was another agenda? … the whole thing is fishier than a the Great Barrier Reef …
Thanks for the reminder …….Senator Barnaby Joyce……Tick!
Owen, I think they only sent two and the others were NSW officers, though I could be wrong. Either way you cut it, whether he should or shouldn’t have been arrested in the way he was, the evidence looks to be pretty damning so he certainly deserves to be facing court having his innocence tested.
Nice one, sue…witty!
I WAS ONCE TOLD BY A WISE MAN “NEVER EVER UNDERESTIMATE ANYONE.
GILLARD ‘S UNDERESTIMATION OF MICHAEL IS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE.
MICHAEL SMITH, CREATOR OF AN EXTRAORDINARY WEB SITE .
SEEKER OF TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
wixxy, I find it hard for two men to work at the same police station, and not know of one another.
The 5 officers included 2 VIC officers who would have escorted Thomson back to VIC if Thomson had not applied for bail. Two officers would have been NSW and it has been suggested elsewhere (but unconfirmed) that the 5th person in attendance was a driver.
Police officers travel in pairs for corroboration, and the VIC officers would have been present at the arrest to ensure that nothing untoward which might have prejudiced the process occurred. This way the VIC and NSW services had independent corrorboration of the circumstances of the arrest.
5 police officers may well have been the minimum number that the two services could have got away with to ensure all possible eventualities were covered.
Owen1967,
can VIC police arrest people in NSW? Weren’t those NSW police?
Maybe you are just too much of a fisherman…
My understanding is that there were 2 detectives from Victoria who were with NSW Police for the arrest as it had to be done by NSW Police due to jurisdiction etc
Still I agree that it would have been cheaper to send a detective up to ask questions, alternatively there are new devices such as telephones and email….
Mate, outstanding article and integrity. With any luck you and smithy are paving the way for the new media age.
Ya never know….
Thanks Heaps 🙂
I did wonder why “Chaff Bag” had to write his posts in large print…With his observation that : “MICHAEL SMITH, CREATOR OF AN EXTRAORDINARY WEB SITE .
SEEKER OF TRUTH AND JUSTICE.”
one can see that an appointment with an optician is required!
You gotta remember, CU….all Smiths’ reccolections are in retrospect!!
Or spend a bit more tiime at school rather than on the computer
If you read the reports I think you will see that it was NSW police officers who went to Thompson because Vic Police not able to arrest someone not in their jurisdiction This information might alter your assumptions?.
You can’t be a professional journalist.
They never admit to an error or misapprehension.
Where has it been stated that Victoria Police did not go to Thompson earlier on to ask questions?
Read what he has written
” I do not remember him as a friend”
Try to post honestly when criticising somebody.
[take a leaf from wixx’s book]
For fraud there has to be a complaint (and complainant with standing) doesn’t there?
Jackson may be the complainant for Williamson’s investigation (she had standing at the time of the complaint ) but who would be the complainant against Jackson particularly if the union doesn’t want the attention?
By way of comparison Smith made the complaint re a false document because this was a matter in the public domain. WA could not proceed with fraud against the AWU WRA because Thiess (the source of the AWU WRA money) would not lodge a complaint.
You have 1,772 followers, Michael Smith’s are in the millions… long way to go son…. by the way, the millions wish to talk about the AWU scandal, Gillard being investigated and probably charged., you don’t, thats the reason you have less followers than my mum……..
Chaff Bag is a regular comenter on Michael Smiths site, as am I. Don’t get upset about his upper case. It is all he does, probably has a permanently stuck caps lock. He means nothing by it, I’m sure.
I personally follow Smith’s site, I don’t agree with a lot of what he say’s. He and the bloggers on his site are pretty much a fair bunch of people who do accept criticism.
If you actually check Internet traffic, you will find Independent Australia generate more hits than Smiths sites, that is where my HSU posts are published
Anyway, it’s not about who has the most hits, it’s about doing the right thing for union members
I found him quite fair indeed
Actually, you were referring to twitter followers with my numbers, Michael Smith News has 1,199 followers on twitter, not quite in the millions….
I agree, doing the right thing for union members… like stealing their money, living the highlife, acting like pigs round a trough and denying any knowledge of their fraud…
Exactly as Kathy Jackson has done….
Thanks for seeing things my way…
Who’s arguing about twitter, I am not…. But I have got the statement that “Gillard is being investigated and will probably be charged with fraud” on a left leaning site….. The main stream media just ignores a fact that strikes at the very heart of democracy and trust towards unions. I and millions of Australian’s read Michael Smiths site, no not all rabid right wingers, some like me are disgusted with Gillard’s nasty grab for power sponsored by Howes and Shorten. Kevin Rudd was voted in by the people, they did not vote for a puppet with such a disgraceful background. I will refer to your site from time to time to see if finally lefties news media will investigate and ensure Gillard is brought to account for her actions….. but then certain powerful lefties will have to have the balls to fight injustice, not support it….
You quoted the number of my twitter followers, as for the numbers who read the Smith posts, you are simply wrong, when I am home next I will get the numbers for you…
We were discussing the arrest of a man under false pretenses on my post, not Gillard.
And if you don’t print that, it will be noted on Michaels site, our whole discussion….. so lets see who’s side you are on….
Wixxy,
I am a regular on Michael Smith’s site. I am a card carrying union member, and not a right wing nut job by any stretch. I visited this site from a link in Michael Smith’s blog.
This is the first site I have seen that provides argument against Smith in a responsible manner. Most left wing sites set about flaming and belittling anybody who doesn’t preach from their playbook.
Keep it up, now I’ll follow both sides.
You mean the man who embezzled money from the lowest of the low, spent on whores, booze and alike. Your not being deadly serious are you? this man needs to be found guilty as soon as possible. Then we can turn our attention to a matter far more serious, hidden for years by the union. Gillard must be held accountable and will be by the support and pressure of Michael Smith. Perhaps you should look at http://www.craigthompsonapp.com a new application he should have used…. sorry correction to that website….
Don’t print what? Don’t start telling me what I can and can’t print on my site…. I don’t take orders from arrogant assholes mate so I suggest you tone it down
You must be referring to Jeff Jackson, his credit card statement is on my post…
thanks Redneck Country Boy, Max, Wixxy and anomyal for the correction on the number of officers and jurisdictional nuances … as anomyl rightly asserts, i spend too much time fishing (it’s just that barra bite so hard – and give themselves away so obviously – i find it difficult to resist).
i still wonder at the arrest timing, the economic irrationality and the arrest procedure … and whilst i am in no way in agreement that an MP should be pardoned for wrongdoings simply because they are an MP, i wonder at the behaviour of people who (when it suits them) describe themselves as “servants of the people” … whilst at the same time flouting laws, currying favour (yes, fishy curry – of course), seemingly manipulating police actions, and behave like they are above the law.
i apologise unreservedly for my error … and thanks for the correction/s.
Totally agree Warren 🙂
I wasn’t criticising…
Lets not get into a “who’s is bigger” debate. I’m quite certain Michal Smith (who’s site I regularly visit) and also am inclined to believe wixxy (who’s site I came across via the Smith’s site) are both coming from a good place i.e. wanting to see justice done. We may, and probably will, disagree on political ideology, but surely that is irrelevant when it comes to exposing corruption in our society.