Some things in life need to be taken seriously, one of those things is the law and legal process, and another would be mental health.
On Friday in Federal Court in Melbourne both of these things combined in a legal case that has descended into an absolute farce which threatens to bring the Federal Court itself into disrepute if allowed to continue.
Presiding judge, Justice Tracey has shown remarkable tolerance and patience in granting the defence yet another week to mount a defence for what many have described as indefensible.
The case I’m referring to is the case the Health Services Union has brought against Kathy Jackson, the woman who claims to have blown the whistle on inappropriate spending of union funds while being completely unable to explain her own.
The HSU is suing Jackson for $700,000 of allegedly misspent union members funds, money that some of Australia’s lowest paid workers would rather see benefitting them instead of allegedly being used to continue Jacksons “Millionaire Lifestyle” as she calls it when describing others living standards.
Some readers may remember another article I published on 20th June regarding the absolute travesty in court with this matter.
At the time Jackson was claiming to be represented by her partner, Fair Work Commission’s Tony Abbott appointee Michael Lawler.
Michael Lawler who in his capacity as a judge would be aware that one actually needs to front up to court to represent someone chose to make a desperate, ridiculous, and in the end futile attempt to represent her by phone while having his voice drowned out by the sound of birds.
Remember this is a Federal Court procedure here I’m talking about, not a Jim Carrey movie.
These people seem to have nothing but utter contempt for the law or legal process and seem to think themselves above both the law and public scrutiny.
This time around Jackson was representing herself.
When giving Jackson one more week to comply with court orders Justice Tracy described Jacksons behaviour as “not acceptable”.
Beam me up Scotty… please
However it is Kathy Jacksons explanation of her failure to comply with legal obligations that has drawn the most scepticism.
Kathy Jackson told the court that she was under medical direction
“to disengage from this process for three months”
Mental Health issues are not to be taken lightly, and if Ms Jackson is indeed suffering from mental issues it would be unfortunate timing as this three months she speaks of would seemingly also put her out of contention for cross-examination at the Royal Commission.
However it is easy to see why there is so much scepticism of this claim, particularly if it relates to mental health issues.
For starters by representing herself she is seemingly breaking her own doctors orders.
Jackson’s sudden mental issues will have come as she is under scrutiny for her own behaviour with her unexplained spending of union funds that far exceed the combined amounts of those she claims to have blown the whistle on.
I am quite sure both Michael Williamson and Craig Thomson would have been under enormous stress when responding to the charges and allegations against them, however does anyone seriously think that the public would have accepted a mental health plea from either of these men.
In fact as I recall when Craig Thomson gave his famous address in Parliament people were baying for his blood while at the same time as worrying if he was suicidal.
Incidentally that address which spoke of Williamson, Jackson and Bolano seems far more believable now regardless of Thomson’s innocence or guilt.
It is rather unfortunate that after years of public grandstanding, blowing her own trumpet on TV and via radio shock-jocks, the prolonged condemnation of all those who oppose her, the fronting up to court cases of her enemies, and the testifying before a Royal Commission, that she is now suddenly afflicted by mental illness as she is about to be asked the same questions she demanded others answer.
Some have pointed out that you can usually find a doctor to say what you want them to say if you look hard enough, however I do not intend to speculate or make any judgements on her choice of medical professional.
Mental illness is a serious issue indeed and I think that we should not take the advice of a professional lightly.
In fact I would go so far as to say that we should treat it with the utmost seriousness. Just as we do the workers compensation claim regarding the complete incapacitation of Marco Bolano from work related stress.
An incapacitated Bolano waves “Hi” to the good people of QBE Insurance outside the Royal Commission
Bolano allegedly collects the maximum compensation payment available while he runs around intimidating media and union officials despite his claimed total incapacitation.
Mental health issues do seem rather prevalent within the Jackson faction.
I wonder if they have the same doctor?
Perhaps we should just call it the “Jacksonville Defence”.
Once again.
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I’m speechless Wixxy, i wouldn’t dare follow your expose`, you have said it all.
Please….she won’t get away with this, will she? I can see her now, falling to pieces in the witness stand and being unable to continue. In soccer parlance, she’ll “take a dive”. Thanks for the report, Wixxy, but I’m not full of optimism.
The union’s lawyer needs to be ready to cross examine the psychiatrist if any evidence of mental illness or “stress” is tendered in support of a further application for adjournment. All witnesses I have ever examined / cross examined show varying degrees of stress. Its stressful time for every witness, particularly if you are a perjurer. The court should regard any such application, regardless of the applicant, with a great deal of scepticism. She must file a defence sooner or later, sooner the better otherwise there should be a verdict for the plaintiff plus interest and costs.
Astounding, Peter. This woman appears to be missing a conscience as well as lacking insight.
Many thanks for keeping us informed, something sadly lacking with the mainstream media.
I can never see her falling to pieces. Too wrapped up in her own invincibility for that to happen
Good to hear your comments John. My beloved gran, Irish top to toe, rarely spoke badly of anyone but used the old saying …as they sow, so they shall reap. Still rings true in Ms Jacksons case.
she has to be assessed by at least two independent psychs i reckon but shes playing games and if its allowed to continue it means she has some real dirt on powerful people and it wouldn’t be too far away from the North Sydney Boys Club
If justice is not served in this case a lot of people who have been hanging on every word of your Jacksonville posts will have ‘mental issues’ of their own. It would simply be too much to take.
She has a look of an Angel you’d think. Alas, it is one of the fallen one’s. As shonky as the others.
Is she going to get away with it?? It would set a precedent that would completely emasculate the law, itwould become subordinate to the mental health profession
I’m sure she’ll turn on the Libs if they don’t protect her!!
Well, if dishonesty, lack of conscience and narcissism can be called incapacitation I guess they are feasible claims. They will probably get away with it, simply because there is no shrieking about them from the MSM to keep a spotlight on them. Doubt many would even remember them now.
Keep up the good work, unfortunately for you, somebody has to do it.
Reminds me all has gone quiet on the Ashby front, since he asked the Govt. to pay his fees. Anyone have any update on that? He is another who I’m sure will turn on the Libs in a flash if they don’t look after him
Two lives (at least) have been destroyed for political & personal gain. How much more? Remember Godwin Gretch? I think he was destroyed as well. She & LNP mustn’t get away with this. They must pay the price.
Great work again, wixxy. She’s obviously doing her best to avoid prosecution. Hope the judge socks it to her big time and that she rats on the Liars.
Like David Linehan, I am also very curious to know what is going on wrt Ashby. He’s another slimy piece of work who should get what’s coming to him and rat on the Liars in the process.
How can we have any faith in your research or credibility Peter Wicks when you are a contributor to Independent Australia that runs inflammatory articles by Satanic Abuse hysteric Fiona Barnett?.
The website claims that Labor Party identity Kim Beazley Snr was the organiser of a Satanic child abuse ring and assisted in the murder of “9 or 10 children”.
If this were so why have you not done something about it ?.
As a member of the party are there still child murderers involved?
Or is a fabrication?. Is D.Donavan running these sensational articles for the sake of it ?
Barnett has also disgracefully woven a series of claims about Bond University (plenty to criticize them for) with outrageous & inflammatory claims about someone who has yet to face court.
You talk a lot about the ordeals of Craig Thomson and the trial by media he faced. But Barnett regularly makes claims before they are tested in court. It is a travesty that she attempts to convict someone before they face court.
And do the extended family of Kim Beazley, our Ambassador in the US, have absolutely no rights or feelings?. Are these vile claims about Beazley Snr going to remain for all time for his children & grandchildren to read?
Either the claims are true or false. You must do something either way.
Or are you like David Donavon & Fiona Barnett as they have done, going to imply that I am in the pay of a “powerful peadophile ring” attempting to ‘discredit’ a “whisteblower” as Donavon calls Barnett.
This is civil litigation not criminal. The options for her are first file a defence then negotiate a settlement, cross claim and defend the matter or file for bankruptcy.
I have no idea about that article at all, I certainly had nothing to do with writing it or publishing it, I do not even know who Fiona Barnett is.
I am a contributor to Independent Australia, not an ambassador for them.
I would suggest taking the matter up with someone who is actually associated with the article, not someone who isn’t.
I do not endorse everything that is on IA just as I’m sure no contributor to a main stream paper would endorse and agree with everything that is in the publication that prints their work. Otherwise Miranda Devine and Pers Ackerman would be endorsing everything that Paul Howes writes…
Frankly I will lose no sleep worrying about your faith in my credibility or research, I just write what I write and people can interpret what I say however they like. No matter what I say they will anyway…
I am however over people trying to tell me what I “must do”.
I do what I want, and write what I want, and someone telling me I must write about something makes me less inclined to even consider it.
I am always happy for suggestions on subjects from people, but I will never react kindly to demands.
I understand you are a contributor but I am amazed you have not seen the 2 articles by Fiona Barnett which are easily found on Independent Australia and promoted by them and endorsed by David Donavon who joins Barnett in implying that anyone who dares question her claims- such as ask for proof – is a “paid troll” of a “powerful paedophile ring”.
I am not demanding anything from you but since you stridently attack- with good reason- outlets like the Murdoch press for their cowardly attacks and bullying of Craig Thomson and others it is odd you appear uninterested.
I do not demand, I ask for comment on the accusations that a senior Labor politician murdered children. and wonder why anyone who cares for the Labor Party as you indicate you do, would not want to question this horrible claim.
Perhaps you have no interest in the reputation of a senior and much admired Labor figure like the late Kim Beazley Sr who Barnett – with Donavon’s approval -says she witnessed murder “9 or 10 babies” in Satanic rituals and who she says was the organiser of these murders.
Perhaps you are happy to allow your articles and research to aid a website that causes untold distress to the Beazley family, who are trying to ignore this trash but have it pointed out to them repeatedly. Now that is seeping into a new generation.
Frankly- it’s a bloody cop-out to claim you contribute and have no knowledge or interest in what else is published on that site. An excuse used by a legion of News Ltd hacks.
Your indifference is disturbing.
You must think I have so much free time to read absolutely everything…
So when you say “You must do something either way.” you mean something different? Does the word “must” take on a whole new meaning?
When I get a chance I will have a look at them, but as it stands I have 3 other articles I need to address beforehand.
Email me links to the articles if you get a chance
Onya Pete, you said it a helluva more diplomatically than I would have. Just to add, I am a regular reader of IA and that thought or prompt re David, never crossed my mind
I’m no fan of this website nor any other tribal blog whatever its denomination, except of course for ‘Table Talk’ and ‘Media Watchdog’ which are always good for a laugh. Having said that, I think you have done a reasonable job on the Jackson subject. I hate hypocrisy, especially sanctimonious hypocrisy and I am following the HSU matter with some interest. The Jackson Camp has questions to answer. Here are a few in no significant order.
Why is Michael Smith, a self-proclaimed paragon of virtue and router of union corruption defending KJ so resolutely and in such an emotional way without resort to forensic analysis of documents, an approach he was once fond of?
Why are the NHDA bank account statements recently subpoenaed by the RC addressed to a private residence in a Melbourne suburb in which KJ, until recently, owned a house? Why wouldn’t the statements associated with a ‘fighting fund’ for the Union be posted to the Union address? Perhaps I am naive here.
Why is the Jackson camp now drawing a distinction between ‘Union’ money and ‘Union Member’s’ money. After member’s dues are paid surely it all becomes ‘Union’ money. If not, how is interest on Union member’s contributions treated. In any event the Union rules don’t distinguish between the two as far as I can tell.
Why is the Jackson Camp via MSN threatening to sue Fairfax for defamation when similar actions ended so badly for Thomson? Deja-vu anyone? Are these people on drugs!?
Why did withdrawals from the NHDA account continue to be made long after KJ ceased engaging with the Union because she was on extended sick leave and why did she close the account only six months ago apparently without telling anyone?
Why did it take an RC to discover the NHDA account transactions?
Why can’t KJ remember the details of any of the significant withdrawals from the NHDA account despite the fact that her recall of earlier events that suit her position seem razor sharp?
Why did KJ blow the whistle on Thomson given her admission under oath that she knew her own actions prior to learning of Thomson’s similar transgressions where not palatable to the public (I assume this included her Members) but not blow the whistle on herself?
Why did KJ play the ‘misogyny’ and ‘racism’ cards and why is she sporting a recently acquired sun tan during one of the coldest winters in decades? (I just had to throw in the last bit for the Warmists.)
Why are so many members of the Jackson camp on extended sick leave or worker’s comp benefits? What is going on here and who is paying for it?
Why hasn’t KJ mounted a defence to the current Federal Court action and citing stress and insufficient funds as a reason while living in a million dollar house and why did she not properly peruse the bank statements provided by the RC when the rest of her life depends on these things?
Why would a person, successful for years in the argy-bargy world of Union management, develop stress related mental health issues as soon as the walls start tumbling down?
No one should underestimate the effectiveness of the cross examination of KJ by the RC on 19 June (the second day). Stoljar may seem a bit soft and inclined to drop the line of questioning just as it’s getting interesting but careful reading of the transcripts show that admissions have been made. The next round will be interesting.
Glad you at least think my job has been reasonable…
I will copy and paste your questions and answer as best I can
Why is Michael Smith, a self-proclaimed paragon of virtue and router of union corruption defending KJ so resolutely and in such an emotional way without resort to forensic analysis of documents, an approach he was once fond of?
My feel is that in order to achieve a short term political goal, those on the right took the word of anyone they thought would help them, no matter how disreputable, think Gretch, Ashby etc
Some have speculated that he is being paid to act as her PR person, and given his behaviour at the Royal Commission with the media this is quite plausible.
Why are the NHDA bank account statements recently subpoenaed by the RC addressed to a private residence in a Melbourne suburb in which KJ, until recently, owned a house? Why wouldn’t the statements associated with a ‘fighting fund’ for the Union be posted to the Union address? Perhaps I am naive here.
You are not being naive, this is a valid point that I plan to go into in my article tomorrow. This is a private bank account, not a union slush fund.
Why is the Jackson camp now drawing a distinction between ‘Union’ money and ‘Union Member’s’ money. After member’s dues are paid surely it all becomes ‘Union’ money. If not, how is interest on Union member’s contributions treated. In any event the Union rules don’t distinguish between the two as far as I can tell.
Any union money is members money, the union is only in place to act on the behalf of members
Why is the Jackson Camp via MSN threatening to sue Fairfax for defamation when similar actions ended so badly for Thomson? Deja-vu anyone? Are these people on drugs!?
I’m not going there… although Rob Elliott made references to a cocaine treatment in an email to Kathy Jackson once…
Why did withdrawals from the NHDA account continue to be made long after KJ ceased engaging with the Union because she was on extended sick leave and why did she close the account only six months ago apparently without telling anyone?
Indeed, or why would she access “union money” whilst the union was under the administration of a Federal Court Judge?
Why did it take an RC to discover the NHDA account transactions?
The account statements on my resource page show the NHDA fund being paid into, however the NHDA title I suspect was being used to hide the transactions as it sounds like an entity a Health Services Union might be associated with. I’m not sure how it was determined to be a slush fund.
Why can’t KJ remember the details of any of the significant withdrawals from the NHDA account despite the fact that her recall of earlier events that suit her position seem razor sharp?
Probably the same reason the flood only destroyed documents that involved her, not Williamson or Thomson
Why did KJ blow the whistle on Thomson given her admission under oath that she knew her own actions prior to learning of Thomson’s similar transgressions where not palatable to the public (I assume this included her Members) but not blow the whistle on herself?
She needed the media on board to remove Williamson, Thomson was used to get the media on board in my view. Williamson was only investigated after media went after Thomson
Why did KJ play the ‘misogyny’ and ‘racism’ cards and why is she sporting a recently acquired sun tan during one of the coldest winters in decades? (I just had to throw in the last bit for the Warmists.)
Dunno about the suntan… I suspect she was trying to get under my skin because anyone who has been to my Facebook page knows they are two subjects I am passionate about… she is just being childish in my view
Why are so many members of the Jackson camp on extended sick leave or worker’s comp benefits? What is going on here and who is paying for it?
In the case of Lawlers leave, the taxpayer foots the bill unless it is unpaid leave. In the case of Bolano, QBE are paying for it so I guess their customers are also paying with their premiums
Why hasn’t KJ mounted a defence to the current Federal Court action and citing stress and insufficient funds as a reason while living in a million dollar house and why did she not properly peruse the bank statements provided by the RC when the rest of her life depends on these things?
These are questions I would also like answered…
Why would a person, successful for years in the argy-bargy world of Union management, develop stress related mental health issues as soon as the walls start tumbling down?
I think we all have an opinion on that one
Cheers David,
Guess what? After all of that fuss he still hasn’t emailed the articles to me… Guess he’s not so keen after all
Peter, thank you for your prompt response to my questions. Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading your article tomorrow.
http://www.independentaustralia.net/life/life-display/trapped-inside-australias-vast-child-abuse-network-part-1,6460
“In 1985, I witnessed approximately 10 children raped and murdered in Bathurst, during the weekend of the famous Bathurst car race. Some of these children were victims of kidnappings. Other children were born unregistered so that they could be used as sex slaves. The abuse was orchestrated by a former Whitlam Government Education Minister Kim Edward Beazley, a police commissioner, an Australian sporting icon, a Sydney University lecturer and a prominent screen actor. The latter raped me in front of a large crowd that included numerous priests and police.”
There it is.
A most peculiar post it was, not sure Dave D would be too impressed. Wonder if it was copied to IA?
@erichardcastlte
You’re being absolutely ridiculous mate!
What do you do when you require urgent medical attention? Common sense would dictate that one would go to a hospital. You seem to be the sort of “tangential thinker” that would go to K-Mart instead.
If you have concerns about the article in question don’t you think you should address them to the author?
rivelle why its that those who wish to insult do so anonymously?. Do you really think it is OK to infer that I must have some sort of mental sickness especially in an article where P.Wicks has gone to great lengths to ensure he draws no conclusions on Kathy Jackson’s state of mind?.
And David Lineham I suggest you check the link. I have reproduced the exact passage as published on Independent Australia. Do you think I fabricated the article?
And why would David Donavon be “not too impressed”?. He published the article. It’s there on his website and with all Barnett’s articles Donavon accompanies them with a paragraph stating that the article is backed up by “signed statements” and asking that readers with additional information contact him.
Now I admit it may be impolite by gatecrashing a thread about Ms Jackson and her mental state but I was perfectly clear & honest in what i asked : what does Peter Wicks- as a former Labor Party candidate and who is, I presume still a supporter of the party as I am, that a website he contributes to claims a late Parliamentarian with a fine history organised the murder of numerous children.
And I believed my request is relevant : this article is one of a series that involves Craig Thomas who has been unfairly crucified in the media (as has Peter Slipper) for the mildest of human failings and these articles have also been published on IA.
At the same time IA has attacked (rightly) websites that have published putrid articles and cartoons about Julia Gillard when she PM.
I have asked P.Wicks does he support the publishing of an article that accuses a now dead MP of the most heinous crimes ( can you imagine what his extended family must think -or his son who is the current Ambassador to the US?)
And I know he is not responsible for other contributors but again I believe that is a cop-out as I personally view all those who work for News Ltd and contribute to their newspapers should share collective guilt for being cogs in a wheel that has caused immense distress to untold numbers of people over decades.
Articles like this are there on the web forever. At the very least I have posted a response that may form a record that not everyone accepts accusations of murder and child assault against a dead person who cannot answer back.
And of course everyone has the right to ignore me and not respond. Bob Ellis doesn’t even though he is a pal of the son of the man accused of these horrendous crimes.
Eric, you too have contributed to the comments on my site, perhaps I should hold you responsible or say you must answer for all of the disgraceful, threatening or just downright putrid comments I often receive?
That would appear to me to be the same logic your using with what I should be responding to….
It is Linehan with an N. If you cannot get a simple detail such as the spelling of a name correct, why the hell would I take any notice of your fantasies. Have you sent the articles to Peter as requested? Note also your post with your link was sent after my post, so another blunder from you. Stop wasting space, your axe is blunt.
Peter Linehan : my link was posted before your post as is clear to see.
It is not my fantasy-it is a link to an article published by David Donovan with his backing and endorsement.It’s till there.
.
Peter Wicks : I am perplexed why you suggest I ” must answer for all of the disgraceful, threatening or just downright putrid comments I often receive”.
I am not attacking you : I am asking questions I believe relevant to integrity and truthfulness in websites that claim integrity. Particularly as you have pointed out many times -correctly in my view- the misreporting on Craig Thomson in major media outlets.
The article is there as plain as day and I have asked very simple questions : are you concerned that a major Labor Party figure is accused of being the ringleader of a Satanic paedophile ring and organised the murder of several children on a website you contribute to?.
Or are you not ?.
As I say : no-one has to answer but the pure aggression I am receiving for asking questions about a published article really is bizarre. Why not just say you don’t want to answer or that you are not interested?
Talk about shooting the messenger.
Amazing, first I was a Lineham, now I have become a Peter. While Peter is a wonderful handle, I really do prefer that which my beloved Mother of Millstreet, Cork bestowed upon me. She would be expressing in her lilting Irish brogue “Sweet baby Jesus is dis name of da holy Saint David not clear to ya heathens?”
I appreciate quick thinking eludes the right, but really!!!
Oh bother that may be insulting. Never mind the spelling seem to be Ok
I just don’t get it with you Peter, Eric made those posts 12 months ago. Have you investigated anything. You don’t give a stuff, people throw mud, and you are happy for it to stick. The Beazley family are decent people, always have been.
I’m not a news corporation with a journalistic staff of hundreds, it’s just me doing this part time while I work full time. I have limited time and don’t get a chance to look at 10% of what I write about let alone what other people write about.
I’m not going to be looking into it as I have way too much on my plate, why don’t you write about it?