Fed: Thomson denies credit card accusations

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2009
Fed: Thomson denies credit card accusations

CANBERRA, April 8 AAP - Labor backbencher Craig Thomson has denied allegations of fraud
in relation to the use of union credit cards.

The former union boss has been accused of using union credit cards to bankroll his
federal election campaign for the NSW seat of Dobell in 2007, as well as to pay for escort
services.

The former national secretary of the Health Services Union says the allegations reported
in Fairfax newspapers on Wednesday are wrong.

"The allegations made today are incorrect and false," he said in a statement issued
on Wednesday afternoon.

"An independent audit is underway.

"The Industrial Registrar is also making inquiries."

Mr Thomson, who was elected in November 2007, said he had acted in accordance with
union rules "at all times", and was considering legal action.

"I have sought legal advice about possible action against the source of these claims," he said.

"I am confident that both the independent audit and the Industrial Registrar will find
no basis for these allegations.

"Whilst these inquiries are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

There have been calls for Mr Thomson to stand down from his position as the chair of
the House of Representatives economics committee.

AAP saj/kms/ss/de

KEYWORD: THOMSON UPDATE

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