2012: Threat to PM’s numbers
Thomson convinced Windsor and Oakeshott – as they didn’t pull the plug.
Gillard’s precarious numbers in Parliament are under renewed challenge, with two of the independents on whom she depends wavering over the government’s continued reliance on the vote of suspended Labor MP Craig Thomson. The government could face a revolt over its backing for Mr Thomson if he fails to convince Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott when he responds in Parliament to Fair Work Australia’s finding that he rorted almost $500,000 in union funds.
Thanks for nothing!
But despite their concern over Mr Thomson, there is no sign the independents would back a no-confidence motion in the government.
Source: SMH
2013, Albanese defends beer with Craig Thomson
Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says it is “no big deal” that he shared a beer with controversial former Labor MP Craig Thomson.
Thomson was expelled from the Labor Party last year[2012] after being charged over alleged fraud and theft, including claims he used union funds to pay for prostitutes.
A mini-scandal erupted this morning when News Limited published a photograph of the former colleagues meeting for a drink in Sydney on Tuesday night.
Mr Thomson is recontesting his seat in the New South Wales Central Coast electorate of Dobell as an independent.
Labor has confirmed its candidate will be 38-year-old Emma McBride, daughter of former state Labor MP Grant McBride and an ex-Wyong councillor.
Source: ABC News
Labor went troppo over this headline in the Daily Telegraph, featuring Albanese as Sergeant Schultz:
Roll forward a year:
2014: Craig Thomson cleared of fraud, but guilty of theft
Former MP Craig Thomson has been cleared of dozens of fraud charges after police bungled the case against him. But the disgraced public figure is still facing a stint behind bars after being found guilty of 12 theft charges. County Court Judge CD acquitted Thomson of 49 deception charges saying the case against him was flawed. It was a minor victory for Thomson who appealed a 12 month jail term, nine months of which was suspended, imposed by a magistrate in March. It came after he was found guilty of 65 offences relating to the misuse of $24,538 while national secretary of the Health Services Union.
Source: Herald Sun