We all know them, people who seem to be able to put off the inevitable for what seems an eternity, and others who are like Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption “who crawled through a river of shit and came out clean on the other end” and seem to have all their sins forgiven.

Recently there have been two high-profile cases along these lines that readers here will no doubt be quite familiar with.

One involves the former union official that started out smelling like roses and ended up smelling like what is often shoveled on them. The other the son of a radio star that video has yet to kill but scandal one day might.

On the 11^th December an email was sent out by a senior member of the Victorian Fraud and Extortion Squad to witnesses in the upcoming trial of former HSU Secretary and Coalition pin-up girl Kathy Jackson.

The email was to explain that on the 03/12/2018, Jackson’s defence informed the court that her legal aid application had been rejected, yet again, and that they will once again appeal the decision via an independent review of the legal aid application.

According to the email;

“This process has complicated the process and the scheduled 19^th of February 2019 court trial start has been cancelled.

The office of Public Prosecutions has now informed me that the 29 April 2019 is another possible start date for the trial. This will depend on whether a judge is available to hear the trial starting on this date.”

Depending on the outcome of the independent review there may be a directions hearing on the 19^th January that will help the court determine whether Jackson’s matter will be heard as one trial or two, such is the number of charges.

 How many trials do I need?

The desperation on Jackson’s part to obtain a legal aid defence team is ironic coming from someone who has shown to have champagne taste in everything from her choice of houses, facial treatments, right down to her choice of mental health facilities. However when it comes to her legal defence she’s going the cleanskin chardonnay option over champagne.

A lot has happened since what has become known as the Jacksonville matter commenced. We’ve seen five Australian Prime Ministers, and it will likely be at least six by the time it ends. In HSU connected matters Jackson’s media target former MP Craig Thomson lives a somewhat normal life having moved on from the saga. Thomson served several years in the public spotlight but not a day in prison despite a determined effort from Jackson, the Coalition and many in the media. In NSW, Jackson’s principal target Michael Williamson will probably have finished serving his time in prison and will likely be watching Jackson’s chardonnay legal team defend the indefensible with a glass of champagne in his hand and a smirk on his face.

Those who won’t be smirking will be Jackson’s cheerleaders, politicians, journo’s, SkyNews commentators and shock-jocks. One of these shock jocks, Michael Smith, now turned blogger, even lived with Jackson and her controversial partner, the renowned phone call recorder and Tony Abbott appointed VP of Fair Work. Michael Lawler. Jackson, Lawler and Smith were often known to share a bottle of the non-cleanskin variety, sometimes with unforseen consequences for the bottle when it went to their head in more ways than one…

              Michael Lawler – Coming my beloved, I just need to record this call… Image – ABC

One of Jackson’s other shock-jock cheerleaders who won’t be cheering is Ray Hadley, who has been sorting out some issues with his son. Hadley, became known for his bullying behaviour when, like many bullying bosses who are often overcome by anger, he forgot mobile phones have the ability to record conversations and rants without the need for Lawler-style contortions.

Peter Dutton, a man known for his compassion to those suffering from mental health issues depending on their geographical location, has praised Ray Hadley and his son Daniel for shining a light on the mental health issues within the police force. During an interview Peter Dutton told Hadley.

“I think it’s a credit to you and the Hadley family that you’re able to turn this very unfortunate circumstance, that’s had the appropriate outcome, into what will be good for broader society.”

We’ll beat the rap son, don’t sweat it…

Daniel Hadley who has been on the receiving end of several allegations of bullying behaviour, much like his father, had drug charges against him dismissed on the 13^th December on grounds of mental health.

Outside Parramatta Court Dad and Dan faced the media where Ray Hadley said in regards to his son Daniel;

“We had no idea he was battling mentally with these issues…”

Perhaps if Ray had spent less time reading the Telegraph and The Australian in a loud angry voice on radio, and spent a bit more time reading independent media he may have learnt something about both his son and his mate Kathy Jackson. Ain’t hindsight a wonderful thing?

Daniel Hadley, it would appear was a coked up cop with a badge, a gun, and an allegedly notorious attitude problem that dated back to his days in the police academy. Just the type that it seems Peter Dutton looks up to, based on his commentary.

While cocaine is widely known as a party drug and not a drug usually associated with Post Traumatic Stress we can only hope Daniel Hadley is getting the help he requires.

In fact I know of a place on the NSW south coast that comes highly recommended.

If you are suffering from issues involving mental health or drug related issues help is available through these organisations and others.

Beyond Blue

Lifeline