Police Launch Dawn Raid on Craig Thomson’s Home!
NSW Police raid Craig Thomson’s home this morning
In a STUNNING new development in the ongoing saga of the Craig Thomson scandal that has cast a long and daunting shadow over the Gillard government and indeed the Prime Minister’s judgment, NSW Police have today pounced on the home of the beleaguered MP with a surprise dawn raid to search his NSW home.
Mr Thomson who continues to protest his innocence in the face of allegations he misused Health Services Union funds on personal expenses, lavish lunches and prostitutes.
The raid was conducted by NSW Police on behalf of the Victorian Police Force.
In May this year, Mr Thomson declined a request from Victorian police to nominate the people he claimed had tried to frame him by setting him up with prostitutes.
Last week Fair Work Australia announced it had launched a civil prosecution of Mr Thomson in relation to the misuse of union funds.
FWA’s statement of claim alleges 25 breaches of union rules, which carry no penalty, and 37 further breaches which are punishable by fines of up to $6600 each.
FWA is also seeking to pursue Mr Thomson for more than $200,000 of union funds which it is claimed he spent getting himself elected to the seat of Dobell, on prostitutes, cash advances and air travel for his former wife.
Mr Thomson was national secretary of the HSU from 2002 until 2007 when he was elected to Parliament. Earlier this year he was suspended from the ALP.
This morning, Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said:
‘I think it’s very important that [Former Labor MP Craig Thomson] co-operate with police.”
“I think the police have shown a lot of diligence in trying to ensure low-paid workers money is not misused”
‘I just wish the same diligence had been shown by the Federal Govt.’
‘Let’s not forget that it was the Prime Minister who was saying for months and years that she had full confidence in Craig Thomson.’
Craig Thomson is expected to front the media this morning to provide a “comprehensive statement.”
The Daily Trash will bring you updates on this startling new development as they happen…
theguttertrash.com 
…it’s all a media beat up…
Craig Thomson is expected to front the media this morning to provide a “comprehensive statement.”
So no arrest then?
Love to see what’s on the computers (most people have no idea of the detritus they leave behind) …
Couldn’t care less about the politics …. as some here get all hot and sticky about … but the legal issues will be interesting … ie statutes of limitations …
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And where’s, KL, these days!!!!
‘And where’s, KL, these days!!!!’
Shift work, probably. Hope I didn’t offend her with my sexist comments.
Craig Thomson’s “comprehensive statement” is now one hour overdue…
Craig Thomson now:
The police raid is “Part of routine procedures we fully expected.”
“I have done nothing wrong.”
“Police have taken a couple of documents from my home.”
“I am very confident that at the end of this investigation I will be vindicated”
“I don’t expect to charged in relation to this matter.”
Thomson refused to respond to repeated questions about whether he would agree to be interviewed by Police.
There is no effective Statute of Limitations in Victoria for criminal acts. Moreover, periods to which statutes apply for civil actions (eg the FWA action or maybe electoral fraud) in some cases only commence at the point where a fraudulent cover up of the offence is discovered.
Therefore, if Thommo is guilty of fraud, and part of that fraud was to hide offences under the FWA or indeed his election to Parliament, those matters could become actionable where before it was believed the Statute of Limitations had expired.
Fraud being a criminal offence anyway … and I guess if the FWA action is successful that would probably add evidence to any criminal charge …
If I were prosecuting the FWA charge I would seek to have it adjourned pending the outcome of any criminal charge. If fraud is found (big IF, please note this is all idle speculation I don’t know what the investigation actually is for and probably shouldn’t have to put in this disclaimer etc etc etbloodyc), then that opens up far more options for the civil claims.
Either way, he is our version of that Iraqi Information Minister.
“Mr Thomson declined a request from Victorian police to nominate the people he claimed had tried to frame him by setting him up with prostitutes.”
How does this sit with his declaration that he is “cooperating with the police investigation?”
“he is our version of that Iraqi Information Minister”
Chuckle….! Good to see snacty still has a sense of humour!
This morning’s raid certainly makes his earlier proclamation that he “wasn’t a person of interest” look a bit presumptious…
It’s scandalous that the MSM turned up on time.
I refuse to make another comment until I’ve seen Peter Wicks’ “take” on the issue. He’s the man with all the inside knowledge.
I wonder if this would have been investigated without the pressure brought to bear by Kathy Jackson?
I’ll say this much, though, a judge didn’t grant a warrant to search the home and office of an out of state citizen and Member of Parliament because he/she thought it might be fun.
Even though I wasn’t going to make another comment until…….
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ca195882/s465.html
On the basis of past form, Wicks will alluded to Kathy Jackson being on with someone who works near a Victoria Police station, and they once probably had a coffee with a police officer or something, maybe…
Once Wicks had a coffee with someone, and did them a favour. Apparently this proves Jackson’s corruption of the investigation.
…and by the way, think of the baby!
…and by the way, think of the baby!
Pretty cruel statement that, ToM … laughing at innocents … even when being sarcastic … 😦
Large amount of faffing about, lots of time spent and so far zero criminal charges laid? It better be pretty damned good when they do! At least it gives the MSM some more ‘beat up’ material to keep them occupied.
TB, don’t blame me, I was only providing a summary of the various excuses that have been provided around the place to excuse Thomson.
It’s reasonable to now replay some of them. The ‘think of the baby’ one was particularly lame.
Mind you, all the Wicks ‘look over there’ at Jackson is funny too. That’s mainly summarised as – ‘she knows someone who knows someone who may have had coffee with someone who knew something!’
It’s a conspiracy!
Why hasn’t anyone acted on all Wicks’ EVIDENCE?????
A year out from the election its no longer of consequence….the legal system works slowly.
It’s not of consequence for this election, except in terms of by how much, but it is in terms of the Royal Commission which WILL be coming.
These self serving turds lecturing us on the morals of everything from the environment, to workers’ rights and safety, to the rule of law are fast proving to not give a whiff of a shit about any of those things.
The electoral consequence is that the issue will drag on until 2013, and regardless of the outcome, there will be an odour around the government generally and Gillard specifically.
Maybe there will also be some further examination of the ‘Gillard AWU slush fund’ scandal around that time too.
Where WAS that PoA signed?
Who DID cause the WA Commissioner to change his mind on incorporation?
What contact DID Ms Gillard have with Victoria Police on discovering a major fraud against HER client?
FINALLY………
Wicks has SPOKEN!!!
I can report that the media are a disgrace, that this is the third such raid this year and what became of the other 2 (except, of course, those Williamson charges), and that it’s mainly Kathy Jackson’s fault.
‘…the Royal Commission which WILL be coming.’
That would be good, but even a Royal Commission takes time to organise.
The odour is bad…
For the lot above ….
‘Lets not forget it was the prime minister who was saying for months and years that she had full confidence in Craig Thomson,’ Tony Abbott said.
The PM is a bad judge of character.
‘But the bruvvers will not have encountered a man like Abbott as Prime Minister. This bloke will go to the ends of the earth to eradicate them.
‘And with the current stench around the HSU, he will have public support for another crusade, considering it has been more than 30 years since the Coalition last used a Royal Commission to try and smash the union movement.’
Malcolm Farr in The Punch
Next we’ll have – ‘Look over there at that strange woman in the Senate who got caught shoplifting… oh, wait ignore her…she resigned…. Look over there, Abbott’s a misogynist!’
Look over there … ToM, again and again … wait for the charge, sunshine … and see what happens …
I’ve seen corporate fit-ups … and have been the victim of two and destroyed another against my boss … all crashed with evidence produced … maybe Thomson will not be charged on the evidence gathered (they’re certainly gathering a lot!) …
Today`s Caption Quackery
https://thedailytrash.wordpress.com/?attachment_id=649
Just to let you guys know … I have just been informed that a friend I’ve known for over 50 years has just committed suicide … I’ll post when I come up for air …
Very sorry to hear about your friend TB. Condolences.
Very sorry to hear the news TB…
I’m sorry to hear that TB.
Yeah, condolences. I’ve ben there a few times and left wondering if I could have changed their mind, but they rarely give a clue they are going to do it.
$#!t! Its quiet around here!
When I take delivery of my new car I’ll let you into a secret about saving $1000 for an outlay of $36!
‘$#!t! Its quiet around here!’
Yes….I miss jaws and tosy.
TB, I think most have taken a short time out in deference to you and your mate, I certainly have.
Well TB, I’ll kick off again.
Maxine McKew has apparently written that Gillard opposed, in writing, the carbon trading scheme. It’s an odd habit she has with putting things in writing, then doing the opposite of the commitment.
In the lead up to the election, next year, we’ll have plenty of Gillard related problems-
• She’ll be reminded of her “complete confidence” in Thomson as his case drags on.
• Her involvement in the “AWU Slush Fund/Fraud” will continue to tick over, as none of her protagonists are in a particular hurry to have it concluded, Gillard will have plenty of awkward questions to answer during campaign interviews.
• The many examples of her political duplicity will be replayed.
• The budget position will deteriorate.
…and all the problems are squarely the responsibility of Gillard and the government.
What it also shows is the Carbon Tax/Price deceit was premeditated.
I don’t see what the fuss is about with Thomson. We know nothing more about his guilt or innocence. All that has happened is that the police collected a few more documents. Yet now the media is full of speculation and Abbott is making his usual song and dance, trying to get the spotlight away from his own hideous shortcomings as a human being.
Meanwhile the mining tax has kicked in and, surprise surprise, the world hasn’t come to an end. This, along with the the fact that the world is still turning post the carbon tax, demonstrates the utter failure of Abbott’s cynical negativity.
The government has demonstrated its commitment to prudent economics by taking the necessary steps to ensure a balanced budget. Australia is blessed to have such a visionary treasurer and one of its best ever PMs in office now. We have not only survived the GFC, but prospered. Australian workers are better protected now that Workchoices has been rolled back and the road to a more just and equitable society has been clearly mapped out.
I would have some respect for the Coalition if they could even be bothered laying out an alternative vision, but all they can do is to play student politics, the politics of negativity and hatred. It could be that they are too ashamed of their policies to tell us what they are, but I fear the position is worse – they can’t even cobble together a consistent set of policies to put to the people. Their only game seems to be to have their bovver-boy leader spin, distract and spew bile.
TB, I think most have taken a short time out in deference to you and your mate
Appreciate that, James (et al), but life must go on … especially at my age!
Thanks to all for your comments …
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Well put, miniP … election time just might show all the legislation the Federal Government has actually put in place over the last five years! Far more than the Opposition has provided alternatives for … 😉
Regardless of whether the Thomson raid adds anything to the public understanding of his maleficence, the issue continues to bleed the government of any positive sentiment. A police raid on an MP is always news, and in Thomson this type of news will continue for a while yet.
As for the economy, its strength didn’t help Howard and Costello and the should be no expectation that Gillard and Swan will benefit politically from the economic growth of China. Specifically Swan has politicised economic policy and deserves plenty of criticism rather than accolades. He-
*Was still spending the stimulus when the Reserve Bank was trying to take the heat out of the economy.
*Has most recently locked into politically motivated contraction, while the RB is indicating its concern about growth by reducing interest rates.
Swan’s record is littered with incorrect economic assessments and forecasts, plus he is the dumbest Treasurer since McMahon.
As pointed out earlier, the cops didn’t drop by Thommo’s yesterday at sparrow’s just to collect some documents. There was a process they had to go through and there had to be a basis to get through that process.
And while the Nero’s running NSW and QLD fiddle about … the rest of us burn …
Politics LibNit style … not only paid for by tax/ratepayers but decieving tax/ratepayers … and cerrtainly NOT with tax/ratepayers interests in mind just bringing down the Federal Government … fkn sick of people in governments with their own personal agendas, destroying people’s lives and we are paying for it!
The HSU debacle affects the union members pockets … but this shite affects EVERYONE …
http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/your-electricity-company-telling-you-who-to-vote-for/
“As pointed out earlier, the cops didn’t drop by Thommo’s yesterday at sparrow’s just to collect some documents.”
What an inane statement. Do you wake each morning wondering how to reinforce your prejudices today? How to interpret each event of the day to suit your grand narrative?
“There was a process they had to go through and there had to be a basis to get through that process.”
I loved the bit when Thomson fronted the media and said that the dawn raid on his house was a “routine part of the investigation.”
Yeah, the innocent usually have a surprise dawn raid on their personal home as part of a “routine investigation”…
guffaw…
“the innocent usually have a surprise dawn raid on their personal home as part of a “routine investigation”…”
This particular piece of theatre wasn’t a surprise to the media. They were given advance notice. Thomson may well not be innocent. Courts will determine this in due course.
In the meantime every little thing that happens in the case will be seized on and sensationalised by the media and used as an excuse for baseless innuendo by the Opposition.
The media circus surrounding Thomson will probably die down now…the moles are going to keep a low profile.
‘I would have some respect for the Coalition if they could even be bothered laying out an alternative vision…’
On asylum seekers he would have the Indonesians and Sri Lankans stop the boats before they leave their territory. Keep in mind these are economic refugees. In return those governments will be paid handsomely and not just depending on their catch, stopping the flood of refugees is a priority for the incoming Abbott government.
His opening stanza is to scuttle the tax and the clean energy future nonsense …and dismantle the Klimatariat.
A vision splendid….correct policy outcomes with due diligence.
On asylum seekers he would have the Indonesians and Sri Lankans stop the boats before they leave their territory.
LOL! Good luck with that …
His opening stanza is to scuttle the tax and the clean energy future nonsense …and dismantle the Klimatariat.
Wishful thinking again, egg … he might “hint” it but he won’t do it … and as Kim Beazley discovered with the GST … ya can’t unscramble an egg … as you would know …
… couple of crack’d theories there I’m afraid, egg …
‘he might “hint” it but he won’t do it …’
Its on the party platform in black and white….he means what he says.
… he means what he says …
No he doesn’t, he tells lies …
I googled ‘abbot is a liar’ and found a million hits….so I’ll check those out and get back to you.
Mini I linked the law as it relates to search warrants earlier. It’s fact not inane supposition.
minP – James is correct and posted the legal extract – bugger me, did I actually say that!
However, dawn raids after a – what? four year investigation … would reek of political involvement in my state let alone NSW and Vic … BTW, James, judges can be political arseholes too …
(Disclaimer: (again) All the innuendo points to Thomson being guilty BUT …….. ! And I am one of the “crowd” who still has a problem with “a dingo’s got my baby” and the 36 people killed by one person at Port Arthur)
“It’s fact not inane supposition.”
Looks like supposition to me. All the issue of a warrant requires is a magistrate who agrees with a copper that there are reasonable grounds for belief that there might be evidence at Thomson’s place of a suspected offence committed by someone, but not necessarily Thomson.
It is wrong to draw anything more from the situation than that a magistrate thinks someone might have committed a crime and that evidence of that crime might be found a Thomson’s house. That is really not very much at all, is it?
Looks like supposition to me.
FMD! Iggorance is bliss! Read all the posts on the subject from, ToM (particulary), James (definitetly), (and the late) Wally … I believe, I suppose … dadadadadada ….
The North Remembers…
Winter is coming…
Dark wings, dark words…
Blood of my blood…
Condolences to my bro, TB.
I extend the understanding of one whose own people have had to endure such tragedy on occasion.
Finding our time down here in Tworgland illuminating & inspirational.
Having come from a bit of a Bsc biological background, to be here & witness the plight of the devil population & the hardfought positive efforts to put the anchors on impending extinction is stirring stuff. Tremendous respect for the efforts which the battle against dftd entails.
A genuine tragedy in the balance.
There’s always a “but”, TB. Now if only Thommo would give a comprehensive statement, at least to the coppers, we could put this whole thing to bed.
Tworg of nth Melbourne…proving that Tworgs are eminently capable of traversing Bass Strait.
Swan’s a total fucking moron.
Can we finally dispense with budget surplus claims ?
He was told when the May budget was formulated that his revenues were a joke.
Who will now still claim they will get a surplus.
So, Rusted-On`s, you all been snookered this week.
.
Team Joolya looking stoopid, no super profits mining tax to meet budget.
.
Mr-Rabbits Team looking stoopid, no super profits mining tax to destroy business.
OK, I’ll bite……
WTF is Tworg?
THE ferocious miners’ campaign that led to Kevin Rudd’s removal as prime minister was a direct result of an assurance Wayne Swan gave Rio Tinto that the resource super-profits tax had not been settled — four days before he announced a final version of it.
At a Canberra meeting in late April 2010 – six weeks before Julia Gillard replaced Mr Rudd and Mr Swan became Deputy Prime Minister – the Treasurer told Rio Tinto managing director David Peever the proceeds from the new tax would not be included in the May budget.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/treasury/wayne-swan-mrrt-assurance-set-miners-off/story-fn59nsif-1226503511286
More evidence that Swan is a hopeless liar, someone who scrambles for position at the expense of anyone else. He’s dishonest, bombastic and dumb, Swan is the most obnoxious politician in my recollection.
He knifed his Prime Minister, rather than take responsibility for his own lying incompetence.
Welcome…BB…
James, our travelling reporter in Taswegia may be referring to a “warg” – folk who can “relate” to other creatures (as found in Song of Ice & Fire) this I doubt …
… more probably he is referring to the modern “tworg” a combination of Twitterer and Cyborg … ie one who robotically repeats what the Collective says …
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Greetings and thanks, Toillettetaswegiatraveller …
Mmmm … WBB perhaps … egg
He has the mark of wally….welcome.
Jo Nova puts the boot into joolya.
http://joannenova.com.au/2012/10/gillard-knew-the-australian-public-didnt-want-an-ets-or-a-tax/
What’s all this winter is coming nonsense…?
It’s spring FFS.
‘What’s all this winter is coming nonsense…?’
Gamers Inc.
Extract from ALP Barrackers Manual, Volume 1
Discussion points-
1. Abbott is mean
2. Abbott is a misogynist
3. Kathy Jackson is shacked up with someone named Lawler, and he may drink coffee
4. Mary Jo Fischer pinched something5. Asylum seekers are to be
welcomed…ignored… shunned…shipped to a hellhole forever.6. Rudd is remarkably
intelligent and experienced in foreign affairs, our greatest leaderdisloyal to a wonderful Prime Minister7. Gillard shows great skill
and principle in her advocacy of Medicare Gold, asylum seekers, integrity in governmentin doing whatever is in her political interests.8. Abbott is a misogynist
9. Ignore the facts, Swan is allegedly numerate
10. Blame Abbott and the media
Gillard dismisses claims of Maxine McKew
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/gillard-undermined-rudd-mckew/story-e6frfku9-1226503530164
Well, she would say that wouldn’t she?
Who has credibility McKew or Gillard? I don’t think Gillard has any left in the tank.
(I’m off for a bout of good red!)
Bugger! I thought ToM might have something useful to tell us …
Just waiting for my dinner companion now TB, so I’ll treat you to more of the same!
If a politician lies, should they get away with stonewalling or should they be pressed?
Gillard is now using the same replies for 2 of her areas of discomfort/lack of honesty.
She is saying ‘I’ve replied to that issue, it’s all on the public record’ – about both her knifing of Rudd, and about her involvement in the AWU slush fund fraud. She deserves close grilling about both.
I thought you were redding!
If a politician lies, should they get away with stonewalling or should they be pressed?
Mate, the Howard government was rife with lies and deciet! You know that …
‘I’ve replied to that issue, it’s all on the public record’
You don’t remember Howard’s reply?
ToM, all I know about you, is you, live in Melboursne, like red and surfing … so your naievity of both corporate, union and political shenanigans isn’t a disappointment … just boring … 🙂
‘If a politician lies, should they get away with stonewalling or should they be pressed?’
If they are pathological liars its not much point in pressing them….Thomson is a good example.
‘You may have thought that you had heard everything there is to know about Climategate, but in fact there are still details of what happened that have yet to be aired.
‘For example, did you know that UEA were investigated by the police under suspicion of perverting the course of justice?
‘Or that Lord Oxburgh quietly changed his evidence to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, introducing a falsehood into the official record?’
A W Montford
‘LABOR frontbencher Anthony Albanese warned Kevin Rudd to “watch his back” in May 2010, after realising six months earlier that Julia Gillard was going for the leadership when she intervened in a NSW preselection brawl.
‘In Tales from the Political Trenches, former Labor MP Maxine McKew says both Mr Albanese and Mr Rudd’s chief of staff Alister Jordan came to the conclusion the night before the leadership changed that “Rudd was the victim of an ambush that had been months in the planning”.
Patricia Karvelas in the Oz
”so your naievity of both corporate, union and political shenanigans isn’t a disappointment … just boring …”
TB, you’d be amazed what some organizations are willing to pay for naïve and disappointing opinions!!
(it funds plenty of good red an great surfing)
TB, you’d be amazed what some organizations are willing to payfor naïve and disappointing opinions!! …
D’ja reckon? I’ve seen more incompetent “consultants” in my day than you’ve had glasses of vino! 😉
How long have you been reading my posts? (Comprehending them is always another issue 🙄 )
BTW, noice umlaut … 😛
TB, I’ve not received complaints and all clients pay their bills, and have done so for years.
I try not to have anything to do with middle managers and unions – that’s my marketing (and sanity) strategy.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/swans-switch-left-rudd-feeling-betrayed-book-says-20121026-28b50.html#ixzz2ARxEcusp
That is just so typical of Swan, he’s a dumb snivelling disloyal coward.
On joolya’s thinking…ethics and all that.
http://www.michaelsmithnews.com/2012/10/julia-gillards-search-for-ethics.html
The ‘Real Julia’-
*Plots against her leader for months, while pledging her loyalty
*Makes legal representations on behalf of her boyfriend to get his ‘slush fund’ established
*Represents the fraudulent personal interests of her boyfriend at the expense of her actual bill paying client
*Makes written agreements, breaks them without apology
*Does deals with proven sleazes which allow her to break her agreements
*Publicly lies
Ever wonder why the youth are a little distrustful of political leaders?
Noddy Newman’s Storm Troopers at it again … beware LibNit governments shore to shore … border to border … not a good feeling …
http://www.news.com.au/national/hundreds-rally-to-defend-brightons-eventide-nursing-home-against-planned-closures-which-will-affect-140-residents/story-fndo4ckr-1226504398498
“There is more chance of me playing full forward for The Bulldogs”.
You know it’s one thing to say there is no challenge, in the interests of secrecy, it’s quite another to treat what is an accurate line of enquiry with such contempt.
Dunny .. I hope you are having a good time in Tassie and not watching too much *derp about Joolya imploding.
And Noddy Newman’s Storm Troopers AGAIN …
http://www.news.com.au/top-stories/queensland-health-leaves-trainee-doctors-out-of-work/story-e6frfkp9-1226504514577
Talk about Blitzkrieg!
Swan is the most obnoxious politician in my recollection.
Must be a short recollection … Tip Custard’s lot got creamed in 2007 …
Ever wonder why the youth are a little distrustful of political leaders?
Don’t forget abbott is more unpopular than gillard as preferred PM. The youth have been distrustful for decades, long before julia gillard came along, it is a generational thing.There has been abuse of trust by politicians ever since governments were invented and installed upon society. Politicians must wish they could return to the 50’s when everything was hidden from public view and we were told to just leave everything in the hands of the people who know better.
Ever wonder why the state want to control it’s citizens? Want to regulate the internet and trawl through our lives with cameras, microphones and brutally oppressive
storm trooperpolicing powers?People of all ages are distrustful, they are angry at the lack of democratic choice offered in this corporocracy, ready to protest against the lot of them.
The ‘Real Julia’- *Plots against her leader for months,
Team Joolya looking stoopid, no super profits mining tax
The ‘Real Julia’- ‘slush fund’ established
Joolya is a serial liar….although she’s not as good as tommo.