Well, there you have it, the end of the road.
Today in Melbourne Magistrates Court the case against Craig Thomson finally came to a dramatic close.
For years now we have seen and heard the trial by media and today we saw the result of a trial by court.
Despite the Magistrate dropping 13 of the charges against Thomson relating to in-house movies, Magistrate Rozencwajg today found charges Thomson guilty of obtaining a financial advantage by the use of his union credit card and cash withdrawals from union accounts by saying the charges against him were proven.
Thomson who has always maintained his innocence had decided to take the path of using authorisation as his defence, this he saw as the fastest and cheapest way of defending himself.
This may have been a huge mistake as it turns out.
Whilst authorisation for Thomson’s spending was never proven one way or the other, Magistrate Rozencwajg made the decision that much of Thomson’s spending did not pass the common sense test.
Magistrate broke the charges down into six categories
- Use of Sex Workers
- Cash withdrawals
- In house video usage
- Purchase of cigarettes and firewood
- Spousal travel
- Post-resignation use of HSU Credit Card
Aside from category 3 the Magistrate found all of the charges proven.
The Magistrate when delivering his verdict spoke of “grey areas” between what were personal and what were legitimate business expenses which is why 13 of the charges were dropped as they related to travel whilst on business, these were the charges in category 3 that related to in-house movies.
However the Magistrate was blunt about the use of union funds for escort services calling any question of authorisation
“…an affront to common sense”
Magistrate Rozencwajg went further to say that he believed that Thomson was fully aware of what he was doing and that it was dishonest.
Thomson found guilty
Magistrate Rozencwajg singled out cash withdrawals made by Thomson out for special mention in today’s proceedings in words that will surely make Jackson weak at the knees.
Magistrate Rozencwajg stated that any cash withdrawal or expenditure at all from a union account was inappropriate and illegitamate, no matter what the circumstances.
Some of you will remember when Jackson, the prosecution’s key witness and self-proclaimed whistle-blower declared under oath to spending cash withdrawals that dwarf Thomson’s from union accounts and comes off sounding like Imelda Marcos at a shoe sale.
Cash withdrawals Jackson made from union accounts exceeded $100,000 per annum, one year exceeding $200,000 according to her sworn testimony.
So it turns out the star witness and Liberal Party puppet Kathy Jackson may be facing some serious questions regarding those withdrawals, as will the BCOM who she uses as her scapegoats. Despite calling herself a whistle-blower she has clearly become an expert in blowing something, and that appears to be her own trumpet, something she may now come to regret as police attention may now fall upon her.
Next in line?
Upon news of the verdict Acting HSU National President Chris Brown released a media statement saying that he was pleased with today’s decision in court.
Brown stated:
“it has been a long six years since the fraud was first uncovered with three major investigation leading to today’s verdict. It is a significant day for the Union and will allow us to start to put these unfortunate affairs behind us”.
Brown also went on to state that the union would now be pursuing civil action against Thomson to seek to recover any of the members funds that have been used for personal business rather than union business, money Brown terms as stolen.
Brown is right, any money that has been used outside union guidelines should be returned to the members. That would include funds that can be retrieved from Craig Thomson, Michael Williamson, and of course Kathy Jackson.
After all a union is all about the members.
So where to now?
Craig Thomson has been found guilty is up to facing five years imprisonment and now awaits sentencing on the 18th March. He also waits for a civil case against him to be launched by the HSU which will likely bankrupt him.
Thomson’s bail conditions have also changed with the Magistrate imposing a “Static Residential Condition” meaning he can’t travel.
Chris Brown faces the prospect of retrieving funds and rebuilding his unions reputation amongst not only the public, but also the members.
Kathy Jackson and her BCOM buddies face more investigations, a mountain of evidence, and an upcoming Royal Commission.
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What it says about Gillard and the ALP is nothing.
Taking a stand of innocent until proven guilty is nothing to be ashamed of.
Listened to Kate McClymont this morning on the ABC. The one Thomson originally sued for slander at Fairfax.. She is obviously bitter about that matter . A bit of score settling maybe? Since she is personally involved, I find her prominence in this matter disturbing. Does she state her position each time she comments/.writes?
Credit cards are totally transparent as far as the existence of records. They are drawn on banks and everything is traceable. Others could use them. It’s not hard to do. You hardly hide your transactions when you use a card.
IF Thomson DID all those transactions He must have been of the belief that it was part of his entitlement, or UNBELIEVABLY STUPID. There must have been some understanding somewhere otherwise why would he have spent so small an amount ? (relatively) 26K in five years. Not worth any risk
Also was he ever asked to repay any?
The HSU is out of pocket by the stated amount plus interest at the most. This is very small bikkies compared to what others have done to the HSU.
Craig is the fall guy and conveniently used and manipulated for far more serious matters. The purpose was to get the Government out of office early. The LieNP are still getting mileage out of it.
The Slipper/Ashby thing was for the same purpose. Both these persons lives are totally ruined and I seriously have no idea whether anything they are accused of is true.
So clarittee – the fact he has been proven guilty in a Court of Law after a fair trial and that Chris Brown has acknowledged this verdict and indicated that the HSU will be chasing Thomson for monies he stole from the HSU and costs means nothing to you. Oh! He only stole a small amount so that’s okay – my mistake. I should nominate you as the next National Secretary for the HSU – you’d fit right in.
Liberals, yes folks Liberals, finally being dragged into the very corners of the frame in NSW corruption, Murdoch’s crowd getting an $800 million plus tax windfall as they criticise the government’s “waste”, Fiona Nash, well who knows where that stands now, this government some way behind in its million jobs pledge, Manus falling apart on this government’s watch come to mind & that’s just for starters, the issues of the day. All of this of no importance as the stories written so often that the keyboards can do it by themselves about Thomson & Labor get a rerun. Sit back in the comfy chairs journos, Murdochistas & liberals as it all goes round again.
This site’s about Thomson & comment on such is invited. There are other things to occupy the nation’s attention. Will they get a run?
You don’t read carefully Bridget.
Bridget what complete garbage, how can he be guilty of things he didn’t do and could have proved he didn’t do. Jackson has ripped of hundreds of thousands while you whinge about hookers.
Calm down Wixxy, I’m sorry to touch such a raw nerve. I like to hear both sides which is why I visit. If you don’t like me here, that’s fine, I’ll go. But I hate liars, and Craigie boy has not covered himself in glory over this messy saga.
As for moving to China or North Korea, I seem to remember the Labor Party trying to muzzle the press more than the Libs ever did. Don’t you recall your idol PM Gillard ringing editors to get the AWU story squashed, resulting in Glenn Milne and Michael Smith loosing their jobs? Then Labor was trying to install a Media Regulator answerable to the Government? Its hypocritical to suggest that the Libs are trying to restrict freedom of the press. Labor has an abysmal track record in that very area.
I was born behind the Iron Curtain, so don’t tell me about freedom of speech and control of the news. I have a wider view of the world than you and have experienced Communism first hand, which is why much of the Labor Socialist ideology is abhorrent to me.
From what I observe, there is not a lot of difference between Labor and Communism.
Ricky Pann, I agree with you. Independent Australia canned my comments and I was insulted by people who share my own ideology, for saying more or less the same thing as you. This was never about pedantic points of law. Thompson is morally bankrupt, and anyone who thought his union credit card could be used for anything other than union business, is either an imbecile or a thief.
This liar has done untold damage to our cause, and the Liberal party HQ will be filled with joy and laughter. Yes their plan came together, aided and abetted by Thompson.
What Kathy Jackson has or hasn’t done or the rest of the crooks who fiddle expenses in the political parties for that matter is totally irrelevant. Get the evidence and prosecute them as well.
I knew Thompson was guilty right from the get go, they tried to deflect his guilt by associating other parties who still have to be tested in law.
At the end of the day, I hope the poor sod doesn’t do porridge, not because I feel sorry for him, but his long suffering wife. Any man that parades his wife around, holding hands and professing his undying love that uses the services of prostitutes has a deep character flaw. He should never been at the top or the HSU or indeed voted into parliament. Yep that’s me old fashioned.
OK Peter, “innocent until provene guilty” is fair and perhaps even noble. (Please don’t take my remarks as attacks, I am trying to be analytical). That scenario excuses Ms Gillard up to a point. However, in the presence of a fair amount of widely reported but untested evidence, the Labor Party made a sizeable loan to Thompson for his defence. Did that action make a lot of sense ?
My second point (again, not an attack but a request for an explanation or argument that I can grasp), is that does the same noble standard, “innocent till proven guilty”, not apply to Jackson ? If I understand correctly, her present status is that of having no charges against her.
I think this story leaves a great many questions unanswered – the saga has created in my mind a mistrust where that mistrust may not be completely justified. I doubt I am alone in that.
If anyone did want to take it further there is one option.
You could lay a complaint alleging corruption against John Tyquin and the prosecutor in the case on the grounds they used evidence or did not investigate evidence that they must of known wanns fraudulent – namely credit card vouchers with rejection codes on them – with the Victorian State Corruption commision.
Unfortunately the culture of corruption is pervasive and I have no doubt the Commission will do its best to duck an inquiry, because the first place corrupt cultures seek to get themselves appointed to are bodies involved in in investigating corruption. However, it is just possible that some honest people working there might move the issue to a point where it is impossible to shut down. It is a very slim chance, but it is a chance. Forget about exonerating Craig Thomson, if he wasn’t gutless and an idiot he would never have won preselection. This issue should be framed squarely in terms of confronting corruption.
I have lost interest in doing it myself. I brought the case of the fake collar bomber to the attention of ICAC – there was a clear alternative motive that should have been investigated. The person convicted had been blackmailing the neighbour of the Pulvers’ over SE Asian business dealings. The payoff as chairman of the ARU was particularly amusing – no wonder the All Blacks keep thrashing you if that is how you select your management.
ICAC was very nice, said they had no jurisdiction over the police and they couldn’t believe the NSW department of prosecutions had done anything wrong in putting a partially innocent man in jail for 10 years. They had the option of referring the matter on to either the NSW Police Investigation or to the Ombudsman. Obviously, it should have gone to the Police Investigations body, so ICAC referred it to the Ombudsman, who never did anything as far as I know.
I tell this salutary tale to point out that people pleading guilty to things they didn’t do is not so uncommon as you might. And that these shiny anti-corruption bodies look very impressive, but are generally there for the sake of appearances. I don’t think referring John Tyquin will produce any results,but some ought to do it regardless as there is always a small chance and the effort in filing a complaint is quite minor.
Bloody phone A Pathological liar. I kind of refrained from talking too much about this till it went through the courts. I mean its obvious its Bandis’s pet castigation…but I have known all along this guy is a liar. How could he be so stupid as to have done this shit anyway and left a trail despite the morality of using Pro’s (care factor zero ) why would you go into politics with this shit in your cuboid? He is not only a Liar but supremely stupid to boot.
Hi Wixxy you might be interested in the Kate McClymont interview. Apart from her gloating,I think she is referring to Wixxy and IA, discrediting the “new media” which Fran Kelly calls the blogosphere. McClymont decribes the Blogoshpere as “a fascinating beast which doesn’t seem accountable as we in the msm. They think it’s all right to defame Kathy Jackson and her husband….all in blind support of Craig Thomson” and she reckons the blogosphere which she had to threaten legally “can be frightening but you can’t let these people get to you”.
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/2014/02/bst_20140219_0831.mp3
Chris Brown and his mates all doubled their own wages, they are the frigging crooks, not Thomson.
And the right are foaming at the mouth as if Thomson is Al Capone.
Well Marilyn – he and his legal team had the opportunity to prove he didn’t do the “things” alleged and guess what sweetheart. He was found GUILTY. Your the one in denial and clearly not a paid up HS Union member. Thomson has been PROVED to be a thief, a liar and a rorter. As the judge said – “an affront to common sense”.
Thanks, I might respond to McClymont’s comments I think
Bridget it took Lindy Chamberlain 30 years and how many trials/inquests to FINALLY achieve Justice in this Country of finger-pointers, ignoramuses, dickheads & scumbags. Would have helped if the Ignorant Masses knew the basic biology/ecology that hungry predators like dingos ALWAYS attack the young, the sick, the elderly. If they attack an adult at a camp fire they might get a damn good kicking. To make this case even worse, there is a Nest of Crooks at HSU, namely Jackson, her BF Lawler 2IC at FWA, Bolano & Williamson, AND THEN we have these LNP sociopaths like Abetz & Brandis to name just two. When and if I hear from Craig Thomson’s own lips that he did spend HSU money on ‘hookers’ THEN I’ll believe it. Political Witch-Hunt. Sadly most Aussies are thick-head witch-burners.
Only proves the whole thing is a politically motivated witch hunt. There will be more to come. This is the essence of the LieNP election campaign which has already started. They don’t know what to do to impress us in office .. They have to render the Labor lot unelectable. Proof they aren’t any good them selves.
Surely you can’t use Chamberlain as an analogy. There was lots of evidence in dispute in that case. Read the transcript of this case and unless you are a “thick headed”, fraud approving collaborator you can draw no other conclusion. Witnesses confirming Thomsons identity and Credit Card. Confirming his location and phone number. Not just a few. Up to one hundred or more. “An affront to Common Sense”. And as Wixxy said why run the “there were no rules governing its use” defence? His legals conceded the prosecutions assertions but would not have done so unless they could not be reasonably refuted. Face it – he is a proven lying thief! And if he wants to appeal I am sure there will be plenty of glory seeking lawyers only to happy to take his case on Pro Bono – excepting, of course, unless they come to the conclusion that they cannot defend the indefensible. Perhaps we could throw another benefit night for him at City Tatts to, yet again, pass the hat around. This time hopefully the money raised may go back to the HSU to replace money stolen by this convicted piece of s***.
Wixxy – did Greg James really tell the Court that Craig Thomsom had lied to the media to save his marriage?
Bridget, you are of course welcome to those who believe the Jeff J. rather than Craig Thomson was the person at the HSU using sex workers as bone-headed, but not to say they approve fraud. I personally oppose using union funds on sex workers, I simply – bone-headed maybe – don’t believe Thomson did.
I agree that Lindy Chamberlain is a bad analogy as the whole Dingo story was a sick joke. The best analogy is probably Nikolai Bukharin and the Moscow show trials. No one is sure why Nikolai Bukharin pleaded guilty, most historians don’t think torture played a big role, rather he was persuaded to plead guilty for “the good of the party”.
Craig Thomson has spent his how life dependent on the likes of Bitar, Arbib and Dastiyari for political patronage – of course he is going to do what they say. And if they advise him not to challenge the evidence on the promise they will look after him down the track and maybe allow his wife to have a job in media – what is a person like Craig Thomson going to do?
Jeez ppl don’t shoot the messenger .. Wixxy was writing as he saw the facts .. Im sure he’s more disappointed than anyone over the courts findings..
I personally, will be more pissed if Thomo’s mislead Wixxy and HSU members, than the parliament and the rest of us, if that turns out to be the case..
Saying that, I have no faith in the legal system, was he led down the garden path with some sort of behind the scene deal, that’s backfired big time..
I cant wait till a fine tooth comb goes through the whole lot of them .. Jackson Bolano Lawler FWA all of them ..
Littlegreyrabbit – but surely it was better for the Party that he proved his innocence if possible. Forgetting the MSM there is still a presumption of innocence inside a Court room. If found not guilty it would have vindicated Julia, Albanese, Shorten, Brown and the rest of the team – and enhanced the interests of the Party rather than do it untold damage.
so less than $30k makes fraud and theft okay does it? Must remember that next time I commit such offences.
No it doesn’t… I never said it did
Bridget – it depends. Those credit card vouchers were technically a reasonably sophisticated forgery-despite containing some complete howlers.
Why did the police not see it as absolute priority to find out who forged such things and why? Why did Thomson only obliquely refer to this issue but left it to proxies in the blogosphere to raise? Why are you not curious?
Something or someone is being protected.
Don’t hold your breath. The way this unfolded the so called evidence wasn’t tested. It would have cost too much and taken too long. Sending Thomson bankrupt was always a consideration. Pyne alluded to it many times as being a way he would not be able to represent his constituents. Having sexual overtones puts the marriages under pressure too. (same as Slipper, though slightly different emphasis) Tying Thomson to the real ENEMY and TARGET of the IPA, LieNP HR Nicholls etc (the UNIONS) although the total Thomson expenditure with the credit cards would make no REAL difference to the HSU’s financial woes, He is vilified for corruption by association purposes. I have no doubt that he would have repaid the $28 K if asked, and I wonder why there is now going to be another hoo haa and great expense over that. I would like to know just how much has been wasted pursuing Thomson over this SAGA
Peter, I agree with your principles, however, this is “whitecollar crime”. Thompson’s $30K is a drop in the bucket compared to what was ripped out of HSU NSW members’ contributions.
NSW members of HSU want a jail term (reasonable for the sum confessed to by Williamson), and we will see, in March, what a rip-off of that magnitude will attract as a sentence.
Thompson’s behaviour offends because of its arrogance and moral shortcomings. Williamson was a lot more subtle.
I daresay the ALP would have paid the $28K just to make the issue go away.
Join the club, I got barred from IA too. Saw yours were deleted too but the regulars comments were left no matter what they said. Hardly very Independent…..have really gone off IA and can’t but think they damage the cause by some of the rantings. Bordering on delusional.
Myself I’m just a bit disgusted with all this – I wonder if Thomson has actually convinced himself he is innocent. The more I read the less chance I thought that scenario possible. Hopefully Jackson gets her day in court too and all the crooks and rip off merchants.
I have not barred anyone and I only delete comments that are abusive
I apolgise Wixxy, you may have misunderstood. I did not mean you deleted comments you may not like. I was referring to IA. As anyone can plainly see you do leave all comments on your site. Thanks