JOINT PRESS RELEASE

THE HON. TONY ABBOTT MHR, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION SENATOR THE HON. GEORGE BRANDIS SC, SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL

INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL INQUIRY INTO THE AUSTRALIAN WORKERS UNION WORKPLACE REFORM ASSOCIATION
Today, on behalf of the Coalition, I called on the Government to establish an independent judicial inquiry. Only an independent judicial inquiry will provide Australians with true and complete answers in relation to the formation and actions of the Australian Workers Union Workplace Reform Association. The Coalition has repeatedly asked Julia Gillard to give a full account of her actions during this time and she has consistently refused to do so. We have wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt but Julia Gillard has not provided the Parliament with full and complete answers. We believe that the misuse of union funds is a serious matter. The hard working men and women who are members of trade unions expect their unions to act honestly in the interests of members. The Prime Minister has repeatedly refused to directly answer the questions asked of her in the Parliament this week. Australians expect better from the Prime Minister. If Julia Gillard has nothing to hide, why is she refusing to agree to a judicial inquiry that would allow the full and complete facts to be known? The Coalition believes a judicial inquiry into these matters is warranted and that the judicial inquiry should canvass the following matters. TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR AN INQUIRY INTO THE AUSTRALIAN WORKERS UNION WORKPLACE REFORM ASSOCIATION INC. AND RELATED MATTERS To inquire into and report on: 1. The incorporation of the Australian Workers Union Workplace Reform Association Inc. (the Association) in 1992, and in particular whether misleading statements were made to the Corporate Affairs Commission of Western Australia in relation to the constitution, objects and purposes of the Association. The conduct and activities of the Association and of its officers. The operation of all bank accounts held in the name of the Association or operated on behalf of the Association or its office bearers, and in particular the payment from such bank accounts of monies for unlawful or improper purposes and the subsequent use of such monies.
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The circumstances surrounding the purchase of the property at 1/85 Kerr Street, Fitzroy, Victoria, in 1993 and in particular the financing of the transaction. The preparation, execution and use of a Power of Attorney granted by Ralph Blewitt to Bruce Wilson. The source of monies used to finance renovations to the property at 36 St Phillips Street, Abbotsford, Victoria, in 1994 and 1995. The sale of the property at 1/85 Kerr Street, Fitzroy in February 1996, and the application of the proceeds of that sale. Any other matters incidental to these terms of reference.

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29 November 2012