#ausvotes

Craig Thomson has a degree in economics, and one in law, and has undertaken the revered Harvard Trade Union Program which prepares executives for leadership and management of trade unions.

Representing ambulance officers and hospital workers in the Health and Research Employee Association (HREA) Thomson first rose to be Assistant Secretary, and when the HREA merged with the Health Services Union (HSU) he was elected National Secretary in 2002.

Thomson has contributed significantly to the momentum of Medicare provision of dental care. He has risen to success within a curiously mundane area of trade unionism, which largely involves the aged, sick and disabled. He has brought great skill to the Federal Parliament, as Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics, and member of the Privileges Committee and Petitions Committee.

In recent years, Craig Thomson has been the subject of a protracted investigation by Fair Work Australia, into allegations of misuse of a HSU corporate credit card and funds.

Consequently, investigations into the alleged improprieties were concluded in April 2012, and Thomson requested suspension from the Australian Labor Party, to sit on the cross-benches as an Independent. Fair Work Australia then had its findings tabled in Parliament in May 2012 and has instituted civil proceedings in the Federal Court for recovery of the misused funds.

The relief sought is expected to be in the vicinity of $250,000, yet Thomson has always maintained his innocence and intends to defend the allegations against him.

In the meantime, Thomson appears to be devoted to Labor values; to jobs, families and the solidarity of working Australia through the union movement. With the exception of a gag motion, he has voted with the government consistently.