The Federal Government has agreed to broaden the scope of the royal commission into trade unions and give it an extra year to run its inquiries to deal with "unfinished business".

The head of the commission, former High Court judge Dyson Heydon, has written to Attorney-General George Brandis pointing out the constraints of the original reporting date of December this year.

"It is true that it has not been possible in the short time available ... to identify every piece of conduct falling within the commission's terms of reference," Mr Heydon wrote.

He also said it would be "desirable" to close a gap in the commission's terms of reference to ensure actions such as interfering with witnesses could be examined.

"The inquiry thus far has revealed evidence of criminal conduct, which includes widespread instances of physical and verbal violence, cartel conduct, secondary boycotts, contempt of court and other institutional orders and the encouragement of others to commit these contempts," Mr Heydon said in his letter.

"Some officials appear to regard their unions as having immunity not only from the norms and sanctions of the Australian legal system but also from any social or community standard shared by other Australians."

Also times the final report better for the 2016 election.

St George of the Garden wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 9:23pm:

Also times the final report better for the 2016 election.

Not at all.
If it was extended until June 2016 I would say yes.

The commision asked for twelve months to get through the union corruption they are revealing and that's what they got.

Well the LNP do have to deflect from the new super duper inquiry in to the LNP QLD government, they're just mad Labor backed it , did the RC actually claim any scalps, or should I say as many scalps as ICAC :D

labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 9:29pm:

St George of the Garden wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:23pm: Also times the final report better for the 2016 election. Not at all. If it was extended until June 2016 I would say yes. The commision asked for twelve months to get through the union corruption they are revealing and that's what they got.

Once you get on that sort of gravy train, it is very hard to wean off.  A Lawyer's paradise.

Its time wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 9:31pm:

Well the LNP do have to deflect from the new super duper inquiry in to the LNP QLD government, they're just mad Labor backed it , did the RC actually claim any scalps, or should I say as many scalps as ICAC :D

Why did labor back it?

Neutralise the issue.

labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 9:34pm:

Its time wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:31pm: Well the LNP do have to deflect from the new super duper inquiry in to the LNP QLD government, they're just mad Labor backed it , did the RC actually claim any scalps, or should I say as many scalps as ICAC :D Why did labor back it?

Playing game of tones scallywag behaviour of late . They probably figured , jebus, they're worse than our mob so we really have nothing to lose :D

Its time wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 9:31pm:

Well the LNP do have to deflect from the new super duper inquiry in to the LNP QLD government, they're just mad Labor backed it , did the RC actually claim any scalps, or should I say as many scalps as ICAC :D

Dyson has no power to charge anyone.  He ought just get on with the job, and if he feels there is stuff he cannot get to the bottom of within the current reporting period (whatever that is) he hands whatever material he has over to the Cops.

Many people are not aware that anything said to a Royal Commission cannot be used against the witness in any other later proceedings taken against them.  It is all fluff, and amounts to a very very expensive yet non-productive investigation.  Coppers can do the job and at a far less cost.

Its time wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 9:36pm:

labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:34pm: Its time wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:31pm: Well the LNP do have to deflect from the new super duper inquiry in to the LNP QLD government, they're just mad Labor backed it , did the RC actually claim any scalps, or should I say as many scalps as ICAC :D You need to think more boy. Why did labor back it? Playing game of tones scallywag behaviour of late . They probably figured , jebus, they're worse than our mob so we really have nothing to lose :D

Face it LAC, LNP rhetoric and reality are akin to two oil tankers on a head on collision course. Their is nothing you can do but sit back , like the rest of us , and watch the utter carnage unfold. Disaster is only word that comes to mind.

Aussie wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 9:38pm:

Its time wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:31pm: Well the LNP do have to deflect from the new super duper inquiry in to the LNP QLD government, they're just mad Labor backed it , did the RC actually claim any scalps, or should I say as many scalps as ICAC :D Dyson has no power to charge anyone.  He ought just get on with the job, and if he feels there is stuff he cannot get to the bottom of within the current reporting period (whatever that is) he hands whatever material he has over to the Cops. Many people are not aware that anything said to a Royal Commission cannot be used against the witness in any other later proceedings taken against them.  It is all fluff, and amounts to a very very expensive yet non-productive investigation.  Coppers can do the job and at a far less cost.

If its all fluff why do any of us pay taxes?

Its time wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 9:55pm:

Face it LAC, LNP rhetoric and reality are akin to two oil tankers on a head on collision course. Their is nothing you can do but sit back , like the rest of us , and watch the utter carnage unfold. Disaster is only word that comes to mind.

So you want bill shorten as leader?

labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 9:21pm:

The Federal Government has agreed to broaden the scope of the royal commission into trade unions and give it an extra year to run its inquiries to deal with "unfinished business

the witch hunt continues .... i wonder what this will cost us ..

has he put the money he previosuly borrowed from the RC into child abuse and gave to the RC into unions back into the RC for child abuse yet? Aren't the kids more important than the unions?

labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 10:01pm:

If its all fluff why do any of us pay taxes?

so tony can have his front page story  :D :D :D :D

labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 10:01pm:

Aussie wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:38pm: Its time wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:31pm: Well the LNP do have to deflect from the new super duper inquiry in to the LNP QLD government, they're just mad Labor backed it , did the RC actually claim any scalps, or should I say as many scalps as ICAC :D Dyson has no power to charge anyone.  He ought just get on with the job, and if he feels there is stuff he cannot get to the bottom of within the current reporting period (whatever that is) he hands whatever material he has over to the Cops. Many people are not aware that anything said to a Royal Commission cannot be used against the witness in any other later proceedings taken against them.  It is all fluff, and amounts to a very very expensive yet non-productive investigation.  Coppers can do the job and at a far less cost. If its all fluff why do any of us pay taxes?

Why not simply refuse to pay taxes then... see how far you get.

Quote:

well done Tony Abbott . PM for all Australians.

A PM for All Australians cannot produce the last budget.

labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 10:01pm:

Aussie wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:38pm: Its time wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:31pm: Well the LNP do have to deflect from the new super duper inquiry in to the LNP QLD government, they're just mad Labor backed it , did the RC actually claim any scalps, or should I say as many scalps as ICAC :D Dyson has no power to charge anyone.  He ought just get on with the job, and if he feels there is stuff he cannot get to the bottom of within the current reporting period (whatever that is) he hands whatever material he has over to the Cops. Many people are not aware that anything said to a Royal Commission cannot be used against the witness in any other later proceedings taken against them.  It is all fluff, and amounts to a very very expensive yet non-productive investigation.  Coppers can do the job and at a far less cost. If its all fluff why do any of us pay taxes?

Not arrived from!

labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 10:01pm:

Aussie wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:38pm: Its time wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:31pm: Well the LNP do have to deflect from the new super duper inquiry in to the LNP QLD government, they're just mad Labor backed it , did the RC actually claim any scalps, or should I say as many scalps as ICAC :D Dyson has no power to charge anyone.  He ought just get on with the job, and if he feels there is stuff he cannot get to the bottom of within the current reporting period (whatever that is) he hands whatever material he has over to the Cops. Many people are not aware that anything said to a Royal Commission cannot be used against the witness in any other later proceedings taken against them.  It is all fluff, and amounts to a very very expensive yet non-productive investigation.  Coppers can do the job and at a far less cost. If its all fluff why do any of us pay taxes?

Not arrived from!

Aussie wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 9:33pm:

labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:29pm: St George of the Garden wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:23pm: Also times the final report better for the 2016 election. Not at all. If it was extended until June 2016 I would say yes. The commision asked for twelve months to get through the union corruption they are revealing and that's what they got. Once you get on that sort of gravy train, it is very hard to wean off.  A Lawyer's paradise.

A lawyers paradise like suing the government when it dares to decide who it will and will not allow into the country?

Dnarever wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 10:55pm:

Quote: well done Tony Abbott . PM for all Australians. A PM for All Australians cannot produce the last budget.

Because Bill "I did not rape that woman" Shorten is blocking just about everything, even things they once planned to do if re-elected. That is proof positive of the fact Shorten isn't interested in fixing Labor's mess so much as being an obstructionist petulant child because he didn't get to be PM.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Oct 8^th, 2014 at 4:56am:

Aussie wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:33pm: labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:29pm: St George of the Garden wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:23pm: Also times the final report better for the 2016 election. Not at all. If it was extended until June 2016 I would say yes. The commision asked for twelve months to get through the union corruption they are revealing and that's what they got. Once you get on that sort of gravy train, it is very hard to wean off.  A Lawyer's paradise. A lawyers paradise like suing the government when it dares to decide who it will and will not allow into the country?

not forgetting a massive inquiry into the Qld govt because someone is suffering a dose of "bitter cant get my own way"?????

Dnarever wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 10:55pm:

Quote: well done Tony Abbott . PM for all Australians. A PM for All Australians cannot produce the last budget.

any answers as to WHY????.... didnt think so...

Royal Commission extension a political fix by Abbott Government
The nakedly political decision by the Abbott Government to extend the Trade Union Royal Commission by 12 months is based on their election timetable.

“The Royal Commissioner has explicitly said that he can complete the inquiry two weeks ahead of the original deadline, that he can make findings and recommendations in this time, and that he is not applying for wider powers or more time,” said ACTU Assistant Secretary Tim Lyons.

“And yet today the Government has extended the Royal Commission by 12 months.”

The letter from Royal Commissioner Heydon to the Attorney-General dated 2 October 2014 states:

“This letter is neither an application to widen the terms of reference nor an application to extend the reporting date.”

Mr Lyons said the Abbott Government is clearly using this Royal Commission to fulfil its political agenda to attack their political opponents.

“We are in the extraordinary position where the Royal Commissioner says ‘I can finish the job’ and the Government ignores that and says we are going to let this process run,” Mr Lyons said.

“Prime Minister Abbott and Attorney-General Brandis have made a decision that will see the Royal Commission run into the election timetables of Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, as well as the next Federal election despite the Royal Commissioner saying this is unnecessary.

“Our consistent view is that this Royal Commission is about attacking the ability of unions to deliver outcomes for working people - wages, conditions and safety.

“Today is World Day for Decent Work and while Australian Unions have been out fighting to improve the job security of thousands of Australian workers, the Federal Government has been focussed on attacking Unions.”

Mr Lyons said the trade union movement was committed to strong, democratic and accountable unions and that without effective unions, employment conditions in Australia would go backwards.

"Union-won conditions are a fundamental pillar of the decent living standards that Australians want protected,” Mr Lyons said.

"This Royal Commission is the Abbott Government's attempt to stop unions campaigning against the range of legislation already before the Parliament designed to weaken workers' protections.”

St George of the Garden wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 9:36pm:

Neutralise the issue.

How many times have we heard this recently.

Looks like the loops have a new get out card when it comes to the ALP agreeing with the Libs.

::)

cods wrote on Oct 8^th, 2014 at 5:39am:

Dnarever wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 10:55pm: Quote: well done Tony Abbott . PM for all Australians. A PM for All Australians cannot produce the last budget. any answers as to WHY????.... didnt think so...

I would have thought it very obvious - A budget which targets the traditional Liberal biases to benefit one section of the community and penalises other sections on traditional grounds is clearly not a case of government for all Australians.

John Howard come to office promising to govern for all Australians. In the 2007 election campaign he acknowledged that he hadn't and promised to try and do better if re elected.

The fact is that any Liberal politician is going to be too close to their self interested pressure groups to be allowed to govern for the rest of us.

They are owned lock stock and barrel by groups where the best interest of all Australians is not in the best interests of these primary supporters.

The LNP ploy for differing the date of the commissions findings, is so the findings come out when the Abbott LNPs are back in opposition, and bark at the problem in place of putting up a remedy!.

The LNP ploy for differing the date of the commissions findings, is so the findings come out when the Abbott LNPs are back in opposition, and bark at the problem in place of putting up a remedy!.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Oct 8^th, 2014 at 4:56am:

Aussie wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:33pm: labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:29pm: St George of the Garden wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:23pm: Also times the final report better for the 2016 election. Not at all. If it was extended until June 2016 I would say yes. The commision asked for twelve months to get through the union corruption they are revealing and that's what they got. Once you get on that sort of gravy train, it is very hard to wean off.  A Lawyer's paradise. A lawyers paradise like suing the government when it dares to decide who it will and will not allow into the country?

That Howard recitation almost bought a tear to my eye.

cods wrote on Oct 8^th, 2014 at 5:39am:

Dnarever wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 10:55pm: Quote: well done Tony Abbott . PM for all Australians. A PM for All Australians cannot produce the last budget. any answers as to WHY????.... didnt think so...

incompetence?

Whats Tonys position on Needles Gap Dam LAC.

John Smith wrote on Oct 8^th, 2014 at 2:47pm:

cods wrote on Oct 8th, 2014 at 5:39am: Dnarever wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 10:55pm: Quote: well done Tony Abbott . PM for all Australians. A PM for All Australians cannot produce the last budget. any answers as to WHY????.... didnt think so... incompetence?

No, that was the Rudd/Gillardw/Rudd governments.

The correct answer is ’unrepresentative swill’.

Soren wrote on Oct 8^th, 2014 at 3:17pm:

John Smith wrote on Oct 8th, 2014 at 2:47pm: cods wrote on Oct 8th, 2014 at 5:39am: Dnarever wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 10:55pm: Quote: well done Tony Abbott . PM for all Australians. A PM for All Australians cannot produce the last budget. any answers as to WHY????.... didnt think so... incompetence? No, that was the Rudd/Gillardw/Rudd governments. The correct answer is ’unrepresentative swill’.

that can't be true .... Abbotts says he represents ALL Australians  :D :D :D

I'm sticking to incompetence

Its time wrote on Oct 8^th, 2014 at 2:32pm:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Oct 8th, 2014 at 4:56am: Aussie wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:33pm: labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:29pm: St George of the Garden wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:23pm: Also times the final report better for the 2016 election. Not at all. If it was extended until June 2016 I would say yes. The commision asked for twelve months to get through the union corruption they are revealing and that's what they got. Once you get on that sort of gravy train, it is very hard to wean off.  A Lawyer's paradise. A lawyers paradise like suing the government when it dares to decide who it will and will not allow into the country? That Howard recitation almost bought a tear to my eye.

Yes it was his response to children overboard and what a moving way to support a terrible lie.

This statement was made during the children overboard claims meant to utilise the event politically - the inference was that we do not want people who would throw their children overboard coming to Australia.

JH was still making this statement long after he knew that no children had been thrown overboard.

The children overboard lie was maintained by the government till about 3 months after the election when the photos were finally leaked.

Howard never came clean with the truth.

John Smith wrote on Oct 8^th, 2014 at 3:46pm:

Soren wrote on Oct 8th, 2014 at 3:17pm: John Smith wrote on Oct 8th, 2014 at 2:47pm: cods wrote on Oct 8th, 2014 at 5:39am: Dnarever wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 10:55pm: Quote: well done Tony Abbott . PM for all Australians. A PM for All Australians cannot produce the last budget. any answers as to WHY????.... didnt think so... incompetence? No, that was the Rudd/Gillardw/Rudd governments. The correct answer is ’unrepresentative swill’. that can't be true .... Abbotts says he represents ALL Australians  :D :D :D I'm sticking to incompetence

Option "c" all of the above.

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Oct 8^th, 2014 at 2:51pm:

Whats Tonys position on Needles Gap Dam LAC.

Speaking of......

Where's our 100 dams, Tony???

:D

Lobo wrote on Oct 8^th, 2014 at 8:13pm:

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Oct 8th, 2014 at 2:51pm: Whats Tonys position on Needles Gap Dam LAC. Speaking of...... Where's our 100 dams, Tony??? :D

As long as they are in the right places go for yout life

Quote:

well done Tony Abbott . PM for all Australians

I'm not sure it would be possible to get further from the truth.

Yes well done Abbott for destroying our hallowed institutions:

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/08/tony-abbotts-problem-with-australias-most-venerable-institutions?CMP=twt_gu

Anybody who thinks a Abbott is a Liberal or cares about Australia and Australians is seriously deluded! Abbott is a neocon and governs for the .1% Abbott is also a complete wrecker!

Dnarever wrote on Oct 8^th, 2014 at 8:44pm:

Quote: well done Tony Abbott . PM for all Australians I'm not sure it would be possible to get further from the truth.

I thought the gold medal for longest distance from the truth is Abbott recital of the truth!

Dnarever wrote on Oct 8^th, 2014 at 8:44pm:

Quote: well done Tony Abbott . PM for all Australians I'm not sure it would be possible to get further from the truth.

I thought the gold medal for longest distance from the truth is Abbott recital of the truth!

40 41 responses to this nonsense?  Amazing.. simply amazing...

John Smith wrote on Oct 7^th, 2014 at 10:35pm:

labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:21pm: The Federal Government has agreed to broaden the scope of the royal commission into trade unions and give it an extra year to run its inquiries to deal with "unfinished business the witch hunt continues .... i wonder what this will cost us .. has he put the money he previosuly borrowed from the RC into child abuse and gave to the RC into unions back into the RC for child abuse yet? Aren't the kids more important than the unions?

you have an interesting definition of 'witchhunt'

I quote "The inquiry thus far has revealed evidence of criminal conduct, which includes widespread instances of physical and verbal violence, cartel conduct, secondary boycotts, contempt of court and other institutional orders and the encouragement of others to commit these contempts,"

that sounds like nothing to you?

Grappler Deep State Feller wrote on Oct 9^th, 2014 at 11:41am:

40 41 responses to this nonsense?  Amazing.. simply amazing...

43

longweekend58 wrote on Oct 10^th, 2014 at 6:24pm:

John Smith wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 10:35pm: labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:21pm: The Federal Government has agreed to broaden the scope of the royal commission into trade unions and give it an extra year to run its inquiries to deal with "unfinished business the witch hunt continues .... i wonder what this will cost us .. has he put the money he previosuly borrowed from the RC into child abuse and gave to the RC into unions back into the RC for child abuse yet? Aren't the kids more important than the unions? you have an interesting definition of 'witchhunt' I quote "The inquiry thus far has revealed evidence of criminal conduct, which includes widespread instances of physical and verbal violence, cartel conduct, secondary boycotts, contempt of court and other institutional orders and the encouragement of others to commit these contempts," that sounds like nothing to you?

It's all about tarnishing credibility, LNP love to come across as clean skins but investigations of ICAC calibre have publicly displayed they're just as awful as each other, whilst I do thoroughly enjoy seeing Tony squirm when it's his side, Only a fool would deny it isn't endemic from the majority of them , nothing would make me happier than to see the house cleaned of all those that don't represent their electorate, free from any backhanders.

longweekend58 wrote on Oct 10^th, 2014 at 6:24pm:

John Smith wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 10:35pm: labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:21pm: The Federal Government has agreed to broaden the scope of the royal commission into trade unions and give it an extra year to run its inquiries to deal with "unfinished business the witch hunt continues .... i wonder what this will cost us .. has he put the money he previosuly borrowed from the RC into child abuse and gave to the RC into unions back into the RC for child abuse yet? Aren't the kids more important than the unions? you have an interesting definition of 'witchhunt' I quote "The inquiry thus far has revealed evidence of criminal conduct, which includes widespread instances of physical and verbal violence, cartel conduct, secondary boycotts, contempt of court and other institutional orders and the encouragement of others to commit these contempts," that sounds like nothing to you?

No! there's a war on!

longweekend58 wrote on Oct 10^th, 2014 at 6:24pm:

John Smith wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 10:35pm: labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:21pm: The Federal Government has agreed to broaden the scope of the royal commission into trade unions and give it an extra year to run its inquiries to deal with "unfinished business the witch hunt continues .... i wonder what this will cost us .. has he put the money he previosuly borrowed from the RC into child abuse and gave to the RC into unions back into the RC for child abuse yet? Aren't the kids more important than the unions? you have an interesting definition of 'witchhunt' I quote "The inquiry thus far has revealed evidence of criminal conduct, which includes widespread instances of physical and verbal violence, cartel conduct, secondary boycotts, contempt of court and other institutional orders and the encouragement of others to commit these contempts," that sounds like nothing to you?

No! there's a war on!

longweekend58 wrote on Oct 10^th, 2014 at 6:24pm:

John Smith wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 10:35pm: labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:21pm: The Federal Government has agreed to broaden the scope of the royal commission into trade unions and give it an extra year to run its inquiries to deal with "unfinished business the witch hunt continues .... i wonder what this will cost us .. has he put the money he previosuly borrowed from the RC into child abuse and gave to the RC into unions back into the RC for child abuse yet? Aren't the kids more important than the unions? you have an interesting definition of 'witchhunt' I quote "The inquiry thus far has revealed evidence of criminal conduct, which includes widespread instances of physical and verbal violence, cartel conduct, secondary boycotts, contempt of court and other institutional orders and the encouragement of others to commit these contempts," that sounds like nothing to you?

no, not nothing  ..... it sounds like a witch hunt  :D :D :D :D

DaS Energy wrote on Oct 10^th, 2014 at 8:50pm:

longweekend58 wrote on Oct 10th, 2014 at 6:24pm: John Smith wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 10:35pm: labor are corrupt wrote on Oct 7th, 2014 at 9:21pm: The Federal Government has agreed to broaden the scope of the royal commission into trade unions and give it an extra year to run its inquiries to deal with "unfinished business the witch hunt continues .... i wonder what this will cost us .. has he put the money he previosuly borrowed from the RC into child abuse and gave to the RC into unions back into the RC for child abuse yet? Aren't the kids more important than the unions? you have an interesting definition of 'witchhunt' I quote "The inquiry thus far has revealed evidence of criminal conduct, which includes widespread instances of physical and verbal violence, cartel conduct, secondary boycotts, contempt of court and other institutional orders and the encouragement of others to commit these contempts," that sounds like nothing to you? No! there's a war on!

LOL, I always enjoy reading the rubbish here.

I do wonder about these royal commissions.
They seem incredibly expensive and where is the follow up.
If you were fined for a traffic offence and didn't pay, you,d be before a magistrate within 6 months with a warrant for your arrest,
My understanding of the Eddie Obeid case is that he is almost certainly guilty of stealing $140 million from the good farmers of the hunter valley and he and his son almost laughed at the royal commissioner, at one stage stating, on the record, that Jesus must have been the person who signed the rezoning of the land for coal exploration which netted them the windfall.
Yet some 18 months later, my understanding is the DPP haven't even started preparing a case.
He may well die of old age before he is charged, that's a travesty