There are reports on Twitter indicating that Craig Thomson has been arrested.
Update I: Sky News now reporting arrest.
Update II: Report from the ABC.
Federal independent MP Craig Thomson has been arrested on the New South Wales Central Coast.
His lawyer, Chris McArdle, says he was contacted by Mr Thomson shortly after 1:00pm (AEDT) today.
“The police are there arresting him and charging him [with] all charges, such as obtained $300 for himself or something,” Mr McArdle told ABC News Online.
“He has to go to the police station where he has to sign a form and then go home again.”
Mr McArdle says Mr Thomson is due to appear in court next week and his client will plead not guilty.
“He isn’t guilty, so it’s a pretty good clue that he’s going to plead not guilty.”
Update III: NSW police confirm that a 48 year old man is assisting them with their enquiries.
Perhaps this helps explain the otherwise inexplicable Election headline grabbing announcement except that the Slapper’s timing was out by one day.
Lew
31 Jan 13 at 1:17 pm
Setting an election date suddenly a brilliant tactic if it means no by-elections…
ar
31 Jan 13 at 1:19 pm
Talk of a 5 star Hotel’s CCTV footage being handed over to police.
Expect Craig Thomson to use “digitally doctored” defence.
Harold
31 Jan 13 at 1:19 pm
Did they get Thommo or his doppelganger?
Infidel Tiger
31 Jan 13 at 1:22 pm
Oh please God let this be the beginning of the end for this disgraceful Gubbermint.
So the Lying Slapper knew this was coming and called the election yesterday?!?
81Alpha
31 Jan 13 at 1:23 pm
m0nty has said all along that Thomson would be charged and arrested.
Gab
31 Jan 13 at 1:23 pm
He’s going to gaol.
What would monty QC say?
.
31 Jan 13 at 1:24 pm
Thomson placed in handcuffs. He appreciated the gesture so much he handed over an HSU credit card to the coppers and told them to start a tab.
Infidel Tiger
31 Jan 13 at 1:24 pm
Thomson or Thompson?
Token
31 Jan 13 at 1:27 pm
Would have preferred it to happen during Parliament QT
So another lie by Gillard
Rousie
31 Jan 13 at 1:29 pm
Thommo, judging from the squealing:
Rabz
31 Jan 13 at 1:30 pm
149 fraud charges to be laid and our hero is expected to be extradited to Victoria.I guess that means he stays in custody for a spell at least.
Lew
31 Jan 13 at 1:30 pm
Expect Craig Thomson to use “digitally doctored” defence.
Harold ..Isn’t that Tim’s line?
steve of glasshouse
31 Jan 13 at 1:30 pm
I own your heads.
m0nty
31 Jan 13 at 1:31 pm
He’ll probably do home detention at his Melbourne apartment at Top of The Town.
Infidel Tiger
31 Jan 13 at 1:32 pm
Oh and I wouldn’t be granting a pair if he is otherwise desposed
Rousie
31 Jan 13 at 1:32 pm
Was it Infidel or Pickles prior to his explanation to parliament who was quoting the odds on tears from cwaig from the innkeeper? Come on update – odds now for more tears???
Dianne
31 Jan 13 at 1:32 pm
Until such time as the GG is consulted and the writs are issued, 14 sept is just another day in the calender, and the govt is not in election mode – and by-elections can be called. Is Slippery Pete about to go as well? What sort of fig leaf does she think yesterday’s announcement gives her?
Sirocco
31 Jan 13 at 1:32 pm
mUttley, FFS, get it right!
It’s:
Rabz
31 Jan 13 at 1:33 pm
I only have one head, monty. Besides, all you “own” is my pleasure in mocking you.
Gab
31 Jan 13 at 1:35 pm
LOL, you clown antics make us laugh.
Care to provide us with another piece of classic M0nty wrong-ology which we can hang around you neck in a few days/weeks to go with your claims about Shagger & Slippery Pete?
Token
31 Jan 13 at 1:35 pm
Yeah monty, a fat, diabetic virgin who runs companies into the ground owns us…yes well.
.
31 Jan 13 at 1:35 pm
Gentlepeople – we’re not discussing m0nty.
Sinclair Davidson
31 Jan 13 at 1:37 pm
Sorry, Sinclair but he “owns” my head. I canna help it.
Gab
31 Jan 13 at 1:37 pm
Are the people of Dobell going to be unrepresented until September 14?
If the GG does not issue writs if Thomson is disqualified under section 44 of the Constitution, can one issue a writ of mandamus in the High Court against the GG, as an officer of the Commonwealth under section 75(v) of the Constitution, to force her to do so?
November 1975 all over again!
Econocrat
31 Jan 13 at 1:38 pm
It will be interesting if Shagger will miss any votes of no confidence during sitting days if he is busy with his brief working out his defence for court proceedings.
Perhaps Gillard will have to spend a bit more time sucking up to Wilkie if she is to survive till September.
Splatacrobat
31 Jan 13 at 1:38 pm
Apparently the Cybercrime Squad is involved, so it’s most likely going to fail miserably. Cops and computers are usually a marriage of incompetence.
m0nty
31 Jan 13 at 1:39 pm
Mr McArdle is right but for the wrong reason…….
JamesK
31 Jan 13 at 1:41 pm
Surprised they couldn’t find just one more so they could round it up to a more presentable “150″. Did he take any pens?
Harold
31 Jan 13 at 1:41 pm
See? It’s minor paperwork filling outery at the front desk followed by a lift back home, dunno what you’re all getting so excited about …
Mick Gold Coast QLD
31 Jan 13 at 1:41 pm
Does that mean he lied in Parliament in his speech?
candy
31 Jan 13 at 1:42 pm
ABCNews24 just reported it has now reached 150. Rounding error?
m0nty
31 Jan 13 at 1:43 pm
Her first ‘brilliant’ move to cover the possibility of Thommo going down was to get Slippery Pete onside. That didn’t work out too well. The next was to name a far off election date. So Thommo goes down and probably Slippery Pete and if technically she can avoid by-elections, practically she will be seen as the arch manipulator. So the second move will be an own goal. Typical.
Biota
31 Jan 13 at 1:43 pm
Beautiful Gabrielle, now you’re messing with Sinclair’s head. How can he ban our favourite little sweetheart when it’s not her fault?
Mick Gold Coast QLD
31 Jan 13 at 1:44 pm
Let’s remember that, until found guilty in a court of law, Thomson is not innocent but presumed innocent.
I say that poor, misunderstood Thommo, though a crook, never slept with prostitutes.
Deadman
31 Jan 13 at 1:44 pm
The far more interesting problem than Thompson is how the police do their establishment duty and avoid charging Julia for the alleged fraudulent witnessing of the power of attorney in Perth.
Blewitt signed the PA in Perth.
Julia allegedly witnessed the PA.
Julia was allegedly not in Perth.
Allegedly an open and shut case.
Alfonso
31 Jan 13 at 1:44 pm
I think you already know the answer to that ‘quandary’, Candy.
“I did not have sexual relations with that woman Ms Lewinsky”
JamesK
31 Jan 13 at 1:45 pm
$300=149 fraud charges? Now that’s what you call a small time crook.Maybe is was pens.
Lew
31 Jan 13 at 1:46 pm
Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we steal a couple hundred thousand from the union and blow it on hookers for our mates.
Infidel Tiger
31 Jan 13 at 1:47 pm
One wonders whether some of the charges are under the 2011 cybercrime bill. No doubt the law is already obsolete, bill drafters are as incompetent as police when it comes to dealing with computer crime.
m0nty
31 Jan 13 at 1:47 pm
Struth. After a three and half year FWA investigation and a police investigation lasting over a year, finally, finally the brothel creeper has been charged. This despite evidence so compelling that Blind Freddy could have wrapped the investigation up in a week.
Now what, a four year court case starting in 2014?
The so called justice system sucks.
jupes
31 Jan 13 at 1:48 pm
Did Gillard know this was going to happen yesterday?
Econocrat
31 Jan 13 at 1:51 pm
As Tanya Plebeserk is wont to say: It raises the question about the role that Tony Abbot’s playing.
Gab
31 Jan 13 at 1:54 pm
One imagines a courtesy call would have been prudent by the Victorian Commissioner of Police.
Token
31 Jan 13 at 1:54 pm
The circus blunders on…
Rabz
31 Jan 13 at 1:55 pm
So, she was given a heads-up and now the reason for yesterday’s faux election date announcement is revealed. Anyone else get the feeling that The Lying Slapper is fast heading for a Ceausescu style ending? Not the summary executions of 25 December 1989, but the open public jeering and derision when the Romanian people finally decided enough was enough on 21 December 1989. Maybe that kind of public ridicule is about to happen here and will result in this rotten government being thrown out.
Septimus
31 Jan 13 at 1:56 pm
As Simon Benson notes:
With the election date set in stone, the government could legally argue for a delay for any by-election to coincide with the poll date, thwarting the potential fallout of an early resignation by Peter Slipper.
2dogs
31 Jan 13 at 1:56 pm
If she loses those two and then a no-confidence motion then refuses to go to an election because of her “trick” of calling an election sometime in the distant future the country is going to have a serious problem.
Especially if the GG keeps Gillard and it’s clearly explained that the she’s is Bill Shortens mother in law.
Too clever by half and she’ll kill the ALP forever if she tries to enact what appears to be a plan that would just as well come out of a dying latin american junta.
The left of course will be totally cool with it all.
twostix
31 Jan 13 at 1:59 pm
Dianne anything to do with giving odds or keeping a tote (whatever that may mean) will be Mr I Tiger. He is the barber, I am just a gilded youth.
Having said that, I forsee grainy CCTV foortage of 2 young ladies, well dressed, straight dark hair, stethescopes slung around their necks, entering a hotel room booked on El Rooto’s union fun ticket. His excuse ? Nuffn suss just me and Tim getting our dates checked out. Dainty fingers and all that.
Pickles
31 Jan 13 at 1:59 pm
Nothing like tar and feathering and being run out on a rail to let one’s feelings known.
By God these fools deserve it.
Add Oakshitt and Windbag to that rail running work.
81Alpha
31 Jan 13 at 1:59 pm
Who pays for his defence from here?
Harold
31 Jan 13 at 2:01 pm
Well, she doesn’t know a lot:
• she didn’t know her staff planned a speech for her becoming PM;
• she didn’t know her staff planned a race riot;
• she didn’t know her her leman was a crook;
• she didn’t know that a “carbon” tax is a criminally stupid idea, predicated on a pseudo-scientific hoax;
• she didn’t know that spending money on stupid schemes, without proper, prudent planning, might be wasteful;
• she didn’t know that lawyers are supposed to work for their clients and not defraud them;
• she didn’t know her that lawyers aren’t supposed to create false instruments;
• she didn’t know her that living the high-life on union members’ funds is wrong;
she didn’t know that half her front bench are crooks;
• she didn’t know when to stop lying…
Deadman
31 Jan 13 at 2:01 pm
No, it is not. Parliament has not been prorogued, writs have not been issued and a caretaker period has not been declared.
Rabz
31 Jan 13 at 2:02 pm
Yes Twostix, she knows Billies current mother in law won’t shoot her.
Someone get hold of Norman Gunston.
Pickles
31 Jan 13 at 2:02 pm
The Oz: Craig Thomson arrested by fraud squad
150.
Is that all?!!!
JamesK
31 Jan 13 at 2:02 pm
The taxpayer.
Gab
31 Jan 13 at 2:03 pm
Five independants
20% pissed off with Gillard (Wilkie)
40% with criminal charges pending (Slipper,Thomson)
60% Facing strong coalition candidates (Slipper,Windsor,Oakeshott)
80% likely to loose their seat (Slipper,Oakeshott,Thomson,Windsor)
100% Useless (Wilkie,Oakeshott,Windsor,Thomson,Slipper)
I expect independants will become as rare as a Labor surplus post Sept 14th.
Splatacrobat
31 Jan 13 at 2:03 pm
Not until the writs are issued.
Septimus
31 Jan 13 at 2:03 pm
As Thommo is an Independent (Ha! Ha! ), the question of “pairing” will not be an issue: he is not entitled to one.
Justice delayed being justice denied, the time taken to bring this to court is scandalous.
Who’s paying McArdle’s fees? I can’t see him doing this pro bono.
Cold-Hands
31 Jan 13 at 2:03 pm
And the silver bodgie, while they’re at it…
Rabz
31 Jan 13 at 2:04 pm
That’s more fraud, we’re entering an endless loop!
Harold
31 Jan 13 at 2:07 pm
Is there any truth to the rumour that at this year’s Federal Election, the A.L.P. will be handing out police “mug-shots” of many of their candidates, instead of the normal “How-to-vote Cards”?
Up The Workers!
31 Jan 13 at 2:09 pm
The Plod have only arrested one out of three criminals in the House of Representatives (so far). Could be some more golf in this?
Bill
31 Jan 13 at 2:09 pm
I am another one wondering whether the Victorian Police gave the PM a quick phone call yesterday with a “heads up” about Thommo’s impending arrest.
Goes some way to explaining the astonishing announcement of a far off election date.
The squirming and wriggling by McSporran et al will be pretty to watch.
Pedro the Ignorant
31 Jan 13 at 2:11 pm
… with the exception of Comrade Dear Leader (in exile) Rudd of Tripoli KCMG DFC DaDa who by now has established a War Room in the Only True Lodge at Norman Park.
He’s cursing and perspiring profusely as he pushes the little figurines about on the big table, pondering scenarios, assessing strategies, formations, tactics, variously mumbling and screaming.
He will not be beaten by Comrade Stabby and one waits with excited anticipation his announcement of tanks rumbling in to blitzkrieg Altona, figuratively.
This is going to be a cavalcade of unexpected consequences – I do believe in the next few weeks and months there will be much about which to be amused.
Eventually the Slapper may get to focus on AbbottAbbottAbbott but I wouldn’t bet the rent money on that just yet.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
31 Jan 13 at 2:12 pm
If she does go through with her bolivian inspired plan of ruling without a majority because of some tricky trick, wouldn’t it be possible for the opposition, having more votes than the government to simply shut down the parliament for the rest of the year?
twostix
31 Jan 13 at 2:14 pm
Surely it can’t be the taxpayer! More likely to be from another Union that doesn’t want investigations into other Unions to become fashionable.
Lew
31 Jan 13 at 2:15 pm
Lew, what do you think is the source of union funds?
Gab
31 Jan 13 at 2:16 pm
Dobell’s member clapped in irons — Michael Smith started all this you know when he got Craig Thomson to admit on live (not lie) radio that Thomson had paid the accounts from Bordello Inc and Tonsillory Inc out of HSU monies the entertainment from these to august places of entertainment.
Tintarella di Luna
31 Jan 13 at 2:16 pm
Unbelievable ignorance.
I anxiously await, Rabz, the first poster to exclaim in outrage “The Governor General must do something about this farce, surely she must act!”
Mick Gold Coast QLD
31 Jan 13 at 2:17 pm
Is to laugh.
lotocoti
31 Jan 13 at 2:17 pm
Without a majority she will have trouble getting the Budget through in May.No Supply and she’s rooted.
Lew
31 Jan 13 at 2:18 pm
On 2GB last night Albasleazy said he knew about the election being called for September a week ago
So if Gillard made this the long-term election call because she knew about Shagger Thomson’s arrest, she would have had to be contacted by the police a week ago!
Not sure that the cops would give her a week’s notice?
Winnedge
31 Jan 13 at 2:19 pm
You’re assuming Albosleazy tells the truth.
Gab
31 Jan 13 at 2:20 pm
Gab their funds come from their members who these days only constitute a very small percentage of taxpayers.If you’re referring to the occasional sling from the Government,that’s only for laundering purposes before it finds its way back to ALP HQ.
Lew
31 Jan 13 at 2:22 pm
If Albo knew a week ago, why did Billy the Shorten know nothing yesterday?
Bill
31 Jan 13 at 2:25 pm
Nooo Pickles, don’t tell me your head is flat your eyes are dull you have no brains at all …
Gillard is supposed to be doing a presser from Bundaberg, but she is already at least 40 minutes late .. wonder why? Eenie meenie mini mo which of my lies will do to go?
Helen Armstrong
31 Jan 13 at 2:25 pm
The Legover Man is never short of material for his daily comedy routine.
H B Bear
31 Jan 13 at 2:27 pm
About 12% of people are currently nominating “independents/others” as a protest vote in opinion polling.
The polarisation of the election and the experience of minority government will collapse that number to around 3% (6.6% at the last election). The other 9% will go straight to the Coalition.
So the Coalition 2PP is being vastly underestimated.
Tom
31 Jan 13 at 2:28 pm
Yup, my thoughts exactly, I think all the too-ing and fro-ing happened somewhere between the Vic police giving the nod and the announcement. Panic reactions.
Helen Armstrong
31 Jan 13 at 2:28 pm
In light of recent claims that Thomson was suicidal I hope to see him holding his trousers up with his hand and minus tie and shoelaces when he enters his plea before the beak.
Splatacrobat
31 Jan 13 at 2:29 pm
Looks more and more like Whitlam every day.
H B Bear
31 Jan 13 at 2:32 pm
Pretty to
watchhear Pickles.Mick Gold Coast QLD
31 Jan 13 at 2:33 pm
Two ABC Online headers at the moment feature pictures of Thomson and Gillard:
Thomson under arrest
‘Full of mud’
C.L.
31 Jan 13 at 2:39 pm
Drink it up people. When a coalition government goes back in and starts acting like responsible adults, the only thing we are going to have to amuse ourselves is the continual beclowning of idiots of the left, and the occasional phone-card rort story to stir the interest.
We’re living in a political intrigue golden age. It won’t last forever. Clowns like this only come along once in a generation.
brc
31 Jan 13 at 2:49 pm
A privileges committee chaired by an ex-union hack concluded no, he didn’t.
That finding was corrupt.
C.L.
31 Jan 13 at 2:50 pm
Malcolm Farr just put an article up on The Punch.
The arrest of an ex-Labor MP, who Labor vigorously defended for months and months, has made this a very bad day for………
(I’ll give you guys one guess!)
MDMConnell
31 Jan 13 at 2:54 pm
Farr Out provides his take on today’s events,
So predictable it is laughable.
H B Bear
31 Jan 13 at 2:54 pm
Ooops – just spoiled it.
H B Bear
31 Jan 13 at 2:55 pm
Sooooorrreeeeeee
H B Bear
31 Jan 13 at 2:55 pm
Ahahahahahahahahahahaha.
C.L.
31 Jan 13 at 2:55 pm
brc 31 Jan 13 at 2:49 pm:
Oh, we’ll still have the Victorian Government in place for a while…
Steve D
31 Jan 13 at 2:58 pm
I don’t think you spoilt it, Mr Bear……
When Labor loses the election, Malcolm Farr will be out there saying it’s wonderful news for Gillard and a major disaster for Abbott……
MDMConnell
31 Jan 13 at 3:02 pm
Malcolm Farr – The Complete Tosser.
JamesK
31 Jan 13 at 3:05 pm
I cannot believe that Farr article. I mean, really. How could you possibly spin Thomson being arrested into an anti-Abbott headline?
brc
31 Jan 13 at 3:06 pm
It takes some talent but it is not beyond the ALP dictation-takers …
Matt
31 Jan 13 at 3:09 pm
Is Dr Wishy-Washy back on suicide watch?
H B Bear
31 Jan 13 at 3:12 pm
Its nice something is happening, but its not such great news. It will keep Labor sleaze beeping on the radar, but its doubtful that charges will be laid, let alone a conviction recorded, by September.
The investigations/prosecutions into various alleged frauds of Thomson, Slipper and Gillard will still be percolating some time after the putative election date.
Jannie
31 Jan 13 at 3:12 pm
Don’t worry HBB, I’d guessed the right answer before my eyes even flicked onto your post. It’s beyond predictable.
Megan
31 Jan 13 at 3:12 pm
Fat Mal seems to have a couple of commenters who agree with his dribblings or maybe Fat Mal just writes his own comments.
Lew
31 Jan 13 at 3:13 pm
Hey they just deleted comments from that Farr article. There were a few chastising him for dragging Abbott into it, gone now.
Who can confirm? I couldn’t get the old screen back after the refresh.
Harold
31 Jan 13 at 3:13 pm
If you have the old screen up don’t refresh it, screenshot it.
Harold
31 Jan 13 at 3:14 pm
One of Fat Mal’s fuckwit purported supporters threatens to move to North Korea if Abbott gets in.Presumably if he doesn’t the Labor Government will provide an equally corrupt regime so the move won’t be necessary.Like I said Fat Mal must be writing his own comments,no one else could possibly be that stupid.
Lew
31 Jan 13 at 3:21 pm
I just wonder if the lying slapper looks at what has happened to creeper and wonders if a similar thing could happen to her?
I wonder if the thought has crossed her mind at all?
A journo ought be asking
Jc
31 Jan 13 at 3:22 pm
I saw the comments on the Farr article, and added one myself – all were critical of the article. All now replaced with AbbotAbbotAbbot piling on. Unbelievable really.
I would have thought he would see the comments coming in and at least change the headline.
brc
31 Jan 13 at 3:24 pm
Pshaw, I am sure you will find Mr Thomson was at the Westin Hotel on perfectly legitimate union business, which – the dedicated servant of the working Australian that he is – he was transacting unpaid during his annual leave.
So typical of the mean-spirited nature of the Right that they view everyone as self-centered as themselves. The thought of them ever doing unpaid work would be enough to cause them to wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. A union official thinks nothing of it – because he serves something greater than a corporation, he defends his workers.
Grey
31 Jan 13 at 3:24 pm
NO chance of one of those in the Canberra Press Gallery.
Craig Mc
31 Jan 13 at 3:25 pm
It is important to remember that Gillard gave Thomson a rousing endorsement after these very credible allegations were raised:
Fisky
31 Jan 13 at 3:25 pm
Can anyone with actual knowledge of the process tell us whether a by-election can be held between now and September 14?
My understanding is that until the GG is involved, the date is just a circle on a calendar with no legal meaning, and so parliament trundles along as normal.
If someone knows the ins-and-outs, then I’d like to get it straight. It’s the sort of thing Brandis should be providing information on, or Antony Green, or someone.
brc
31 Jan 13 at 3:26 pm
I’m sure Mr Kate Ellis ensures comments are balanced over on The Paunch.
H B Bear
31 Jan 13 at 3:27 pm
Ghey’s now channeling the hammburglar!
Rabz
31 Jan 13 at 3:27 pm
Ha ha! Thomson made to do perp walk:
http://www.news.com.au/national/craig-thomson-arrested-by-police/story-fncynjr2-1226565909723
Fisky
31 Jan 13 at 3:27 pm
I keep hearing the tune to “Ten Green Bottles”.
Shagger busted, Williamson and Slipper with court dates set.
Is the bespectacled one next?
Arise PM Swan…..ahahahahaha
Keith
31 Jan 13 at 3:28 pm
Jeez.
Farr has indeed deleted comments depicting incredulity at his attempts to link Abbott with Shagger.
JamesK
31 Jan 13 at 3:31 pm
Stfu up greys you numbskull ，
Jc
31 Jan 13 at 3:31 pm
Stfu up greys you numbskull . Go have a mental flip out elsewhere .
Jc
31 Jan 13 at 3:32 pm
Yeah cause the cops are in the habit of tipping off crims to a pending arrest! Why should this dirt bag be given the opportunity to report to the police? FFS some people have no idea.
Old Fridgie
31 Jan 13 at 3:34 pm
Gillard hasn’t even been back on deck for a week yet and the clown colony they have been attempting to pass off as a government are right back where they were at the end of 2012.
Lucky she got all that clear air after seeing off KRuddy in 2012.
H B Bear
31 Jan 13 at 3:35 pm
OK I found some information on by-elections on Antony Greens blog, in particular these two comments:
and…
and then someone else weighed in with this:
Antony Green stresses that the election announcement is a ‘statement of intent’ and not a legally binding date. There is no election date until the writs are issued. Therefore, any resignation or loss of a member could trigger a by-election long before September, and the election announcement appears to have no bearing on one taking place, though no doubt they will bend whatever rules and shenanigans to prevent that from happening.
Passing the budget could get very interesting yet.
brc
31 Jan 13 at 3:36 pm
To: [email protected]
Harold
31 Jan 13 at 3:37 pm
Funny I didn’t realise AbbottAbbottAbbott’s work with the rural fire service and surf life saving and volunteer work in remote Aboriginal communities meant he was a leftoid – well there you fucking go, you learn something new everyday.
Old Fridgie
31 Jan 13 at 3:38 pm
Slogan for this election:
“The Libs -vs- The Fibs”.
If both parties go before the electorate promising: “There will be no carbon tax under the Government I lead” this time (and Tony Abbott SHOULD DELIBERATELY use EXACTLY those words) we will all know which party is truthful and which is a bunch of proven liars and crooks.
Up The Workers!
31 Jan 13 at 3:38 pm
Haha Farr deleted all the comments apart from a handful of anti-Abbott ones……
MDMConnell
31 Jan 13 at 3:38 pm
Well lady Macbeth has fronted the media and done her presser and fallen back on the tried and true defence of
” I know nothing”
Helen Armstrong
31 Jan 13 at 3:43 pm
Yes, but Abbott is a bit DLP really isn’t he? He never managed to shake off the influence of Bob Santamaria.
Regarding by-elections, you need to add at least a month for the by-election nominations and campaign itself. I think the window is too small to really expect any change under the Constitution clause. How long did it take for the Shoplifter to appear in court after being arrested?
Grey
31 Jan 13 at 3:43 pm
Mal Fart is a greenhouse gas.
There should be a law against him!
Up The Workers!
31 Jan 13 at 3:45 pm
On Sky news they are reporting that Shagger and his lawyer were, last week ,offered the opportunity of reporting directly to Vic Police. They refused and so he was then arrested today. He is to front court in Vic on monday.
So he chose to be arrested. I wonder why? Probably thinks it will show him as a martyr.
He is such a wanker.
dianeh
31 Jan 13 at 3:46 pm
It was just revealed on Sky that Thomson was offered to make an appearance in December, but refused. Now Gillard’s response “of course not” to a question posed about whether she knew of Thomson’s impending release is looking incredible.
Worse, Thomson’s lawyer claims its a media farce, despite Thomson being given the opportunity to avoid a very public arrest. He must have known, in which case he must have given Thomson bad advice.
The Beer Whisperer
31 Jan 13 at 3:50 pm
Timing for by elections
The member for Wanguri Paul Henderson resigned on 25th January and the election is 16th Feb 2012.
Helen Armstrong
31 Jan 13 at 3:51 pm
Harold
Thanks, here’s mine
Hi
Farr somehow has entangled Abbott in creeper Thomson’s arrest in his latest piece
Farr is a fat, short idiot who ought to be fired.
Jc
31 Jan 13 at 3:51 pm
A rather vacuous comment critical of Abbott has been submitted by a certain herbiculture fan made famous in the open forum. Lets see how that one goes with the punch mods.
Harold
31 Jan 13 at 3:51 pm
So what it can’t affect the election he will not go to court for only a day and that it. The only thing of interest is who might pay the legal bills. Another point is we have seen this all before getting too excited and looking stupid after with Godwin Grech and Peter Slipper so just let justice take it’s course this time.
kelly liddle
31 Jan 13 at 3:52 pm
Update: Thomson was invited in December to hand himself in to Police in Melbourne, according to the policeman in charge of the investigation. Thomson’s lawyer has denied this, so one of the two is lying. Shall we have a poll?
The Beer Whisperer
31 Jan 13 at 3:53 pm
Getting his cock sucked by a whore?
That’s a change of pace.
Usually it involves bending over suppliers, customers, employers, job seekers and the community and giving them a good and hard pumping.
.
31 Jan 13 at 3:54 pm
Thommo’s lawyer needs to take a leaf from this man.
H B Bear
31 Jan 13 at 3:59 pm
The Peris fiasco seems so long ago. Such a wily political leader is the Lying Slapper that she appears to have increased the frequency of government crises from monthly to weekly.
Tom
31 Jan 13 at 4:02 pm
Muhahahaha, come not between a baying Catallaxian mob and its prey.
I am sure nothing can go wrong here. Do lets all keep on gloating.
Grey
31 Jan 13 at 4:02 pm
And we’re going to have to get used to more pathetic moochers trolling away the end of days at the Cat.
Tom
31 Jan 13 at 4:10 pm
Of course not, a union official never sleeps. He fights for the interests of his member[s] 24/7 365 days a year.
Grey
31 Jan 13 at 4:18 pm
Actually, Mick. That’s a bloody good question. Surely the GG must be aware that she is about to enter the political vortex of destruction if she fails to listen to the popular mood.
Winston SMITH
31 Jan 13 at 4:21 pm
That’s not trolling, Grey, that’s sarcasm. Being a parasite is a 24/7 job, I suppose!!
The Beer Whisperer
31 Jan 13 at 4:21 pm
I just love the photo of AbbottAbbottAbbottt in Farrt’s hatchet job over at the Paunch.
A truly class act.
Rabz
31 Jan 13 at 4:24 pm
McArdle is coming across as a non-too clever smart-alec; the absurd and amateurish expressions of mock surprise and puzzlement when he’s asked straight forward questions are totally unconvincing.
His mocking of the police “media unit” is another mistake, as is his rejection of the term “extradition”; the Vic. Police invited Thomson to surrender himself to them last month which he refused to do, and now McArdle scoffs at the need for extradition.
James of the Glens
31 Jan 13 at 4:25 pm
The Canberra Press Gallery are basically spinning this as “Gosh darn it, more of that amazing AbbottAbbottAbbott LUCK!!”
MDMConnell
31 Jan 13 at 4:34 pm
Of course not, a union official never sleeps. He fights for the interests of his member[s] 24/7 365 days a year.
Forgot the leap years you nong.
Then again, maybe Feb 29 is shaggin day..
Steve of Glasshouse
31 Jan 13 at 4:37 pm
With the arrests now starting, I predict Gillard with take her new bespectacled look to it’s logical conclusion.
Mason
31 Jan 13 at 4:40 pm
State police forces, especially the VICPOL, have a too close symbiotic relationship with the press, and that means a comms channel straight to the ALP. Some dumb fuck copper leaked it to a hack over a beer, but that does not mean he was smart enough to know it would go to the PM’s office.
Abu Chowdah
31 Jan 13 at 4:42 pm
I will be interested to find out who stole Thomsons
wallet, credit card, licence & phonepenis.Carpe Jugulum
31 Jan 13 at 4:51 pm
I’m preying for the perfect election storm come September.
Shagger and Obeid wrapping up in their respective courts, AWU gaining some traction.
Fun times!
duncanm
31 Jan 13 at 4:55 pm
Thommo arrested, Mundine loses. Great day for Australia
John Comnenus
31 Jan 13 at 5:02 pm
Gillard: ‘I have heard there are media reports …’
HAHAHA – The liar kept a straight face too.
Septimus
31 Jan 13 at 5:08 pm
TV News at 4.30pm said a condition of bail is that he does not approach persons engaged in sexual services.
So that sounds like they have good evidence that he did use those sexual services.
Septimus
31 Jan 13 at 5:12 pm
What crap. Slipper is even money to bail any day now. He is due in front of court in February, has zero chance of regaining his seat. That would mean a by-election by around March, April at the latest, still 5 months before the proposed election day.
Of course Shagger will hold until the bitter end, unless his legal counsel suggests that quitting before being thrown out might result in a better long-term pension. He also has zero chance of being returned at the election, having been thrown out of the party.
That’s two potential by elections that could happen by Easter. Throw in some pre-emptive bailouts by other Labor MPs and I would never make the assumption there will be no by-elections under a government gillard leads.
brc
31 Jan 13 at 5:23 pm
will it be trial by jury – I want to get on the jury. Majority decision is what 9 out of 12 for fraud i suppose.
Mike of Marion
31 Jan 13 at 5:30 pm
I doubt there were leaks from the police. Vicpol invited Thomson to present himself in Melbourne last week. The liar’s party lowlifes would have surmised what would happen next. They had all weekend to get their big announcement of the election date ready.
By refusing to go to Melbourne, Thomson has caused additional processes (extradition) to occur, which in turn will be charged up to the taxpayer.
Keith
31 Jan 13 at 5:30 pm
Maybe McClelland will go early.
I’m interested in the 149 seperate fraud offences; is that one for every fuck?
cohenite
31 Jan 13 at 5:31 pm
Who do they think he is, Victor fucking Laszlo?
C.L.
31 Jan 13 at 5:35 pm
Looks like the Labor HQ has issued orders to their minions as well.
Lots of comments popping up on blogs/articles to the effect of: “Who cares, this is old news, nobody wants to know, let’s focus on the important issues like Tony Abbott punching a wall 30 years ago!!”
MDMConnell
31 Jan 13 at 5:38 pm
Conditions imposed on Tommo resemble mafia restrictions:
Tommo:
Gillard knew:
Tommo’s lawyer brings the most hamfisted quip of the year:
Gillard lies:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-31/craig-thomson-arrested/4493722
C.L.
31 Jan 13 at 5:41 pm
But, but, but …
Didn’t Julia tell us that she had full confidence in the Member for Dobell?
Really, there is just such a feast of video clips that the Coalition can use against these incompetent fools.
Whether they go for the jugular though is another issue I suppose.
Greg James
31 Jan 13 at 5:48 pm
He. He he. Ha ha. HaHaHaHaHa. Bwahahahahahha (snort, splutter) hahahahaha!
This bloke has been falling to the bottom of the in tray of the most junior probationary constable for a year or so, who is regularly pulled away to perform the vital role of night time roadworks traffic control.
For Pete’s sake try to understand / accept / be astonished by how the system works.
Ummmm – investigations of this galah have milked 4-ish years of “take its course” from memory.
Personally speaking for myself alone I think it’s too soon to comment in harsh judgment on a poor soul who just weeks ago was on suicide watch, notwithstanding a momentary recovery days later which saw him prancing about in parliament putting questions and laughing uproariously at his cleverness.
Just watch his lawyer rediscover his depressed state as soon as they get to court to set the hearing dates.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
31 Jan 13 at 5:55 pm
Oh come on, This is so last week, She was Young and Naive, for heaven’s sake.
Helen Armstrong
31 Jan 13 at 5:57 pm
This would never have occurred under the impending Finkelstein/Roxon quashing of free speech/press laws.
Gab
31 Jan 13 at 5:59 pm
Re my…
LOL, she got published at The Paunch
Harold
31 Jan 13 at 6:01 pm
Thommo and his ‘acquittal by media’ lawyer have repeatedly, strenuously and directly denied that Thommo used Union money to pay for prostitutes that he slept with. I believe him. What I want to know is which Union bosses got free blow jobs from Thommo courtesy of the HSU membership? Did this influence his presection?
Can’t wait to hear Union power broker X and Y deny Thommo’s claims that he shouted them some leg over action in order secure preselection. Is Labor the only political party in Australia that lobbies for votes in high class brothels? Can’t wait for Gillard, Plibersek and Roxoff to go bat shit crazy about fat union power brokers exploiting women to secure votes. Misogyny indeed. Could this scandal really be blow jobs for pre selection votes in the ALP? LOL
John Comnenus
31 Jan 13 at 6:06 pm
“What I want to know is which Union bosses got free blow jobs from Thommo courtesy of the HSU membership”
If that’s true c.thomson must be protecting someone of note, why would he go to all this trouble otherwise, perhaps jail.
candy
31 Jan 13 at 6:10 pm
It’s still illegal to use union money to pay for hookers, no matter who gets the jollies.
I too subscribe to the fact that he was shouting others some happy-time, because why else would the bills have been so high? Some were a couple of thousand bucks.
But I don’t believe for a minute that old Craig didn’t at least get a bit of action in the union-boss shag-a-thon.
brc
31 Jan 13 at 6:13 pm
HAHAHAHAHA
The Punch has closed comments on the lamentable Farr piece. Must of been copping too much flak.
Seriously Farr, Shepherd and Sharwood would have to be the most pathetic trio of journalists in the nation.
Toss in the juvenile Daniel P and bossman Penburthy you have a nightmare.
Luck Kippist is very good and Tory M is passable.
Mark
31 Jan 13 at 6:15 pm
She’s there for the duration mate, standing aloof from the fray, beloved of the workers’ aristocracy and toured African despots whose UN votes needed buying.
The popular mood as read in the newspapers is one of loving admiration for Comrade Bespectacled Wide Helmedperson, one of recently felt relief after her decisive treatment of unhelpful speculation on an election date. Even the bloody editorials now faithfully re-print verbatim the faxes from the prime minister’s office.
There is today a legitimate government with a demonstrable majority and no known and certain likelihood of change to that.
Comrade Her Most Gracious Majesty Quentin Bryce of Emilys, AC AVO KCMG GTHO (hic) Ooops! can enjoy the Yarralumla cellar undisturbed for pretty much as long as she chooses, lurching about barking slurred orders at the maids as she did in Brisbane Castle.
In any event the wizened old drunk is an “inspiring leader” – Anna said. (I’d gain inspiration too, from $9,000 pw plus perks).
In on the con up to her elegantly be-gloved elbows this trough feeder, like Jeffery, Hollingworth, Weepy Deane and eventually barking mad Hayden before her, knows that getting overtly involved is no longer a résumé builder after Comrade Kerr’s expedition.
She’ll sign the writs she’s told to sign in August and nothing else all year.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
31 Jan 13 at 6:42 pm
Sex for pre-selection gate
John Comnenus
31 Jan 13 at 6:51 pm
I agree with the above. So much was spent on whores that I just can’t imagine how the Shagger was alone. He probably took all the main powerbrokers from [slight edit. Sinc].
Fisky
31 Jan 13 at 6:54 pm
Mick Gold Coast QLD @ 6.42pm
Eloquently put.
Septimus
31 Jan 13 at 6:56 pm
Does Gillard endorse the ALP’s sex for pre-selection policy?
John Comnenus
31 Jan 13 at 6:58 pm
Gold, Mick, Gold.
Rabz
31 Jan 13 at 6:59 pm
Will Gillard disendorse any other former Union heavy weight who shouted hookers for pre-selection votes?
John Comnenus
31 Jan 13 at 7:00 pm
Even for the superficial dross that Mr Kate Ellis slops out on The Paunch, Farr Out’s piece was woeful. Mark’s right – usually Sharwoord or Shepherd are the prime offenders.
H B Bear
31 Jan 13 at 7:01 pm
Rabz and Septimus – gees thanks fellas. I’m not so clever or perspicacious, I’ve simply paid attention to and remembered stuff I’ve seen in politics over a long time.
“perspicacious” – good word that Mick, well done son!
Mick Gold Coast QLD
31 Jan 13 at 7:20 pm
Demonstrably self-effacing too … modest even.
Septimus
31 Jan 13 at 7:30 pm
It’s safe to say, Deadman, gillard is the most know-nothing clueless “leader” this country has ever had.
Gab
31 Jan 13 at 8:41 pm
Candy
There was clearly a core of creepy types on the freebie prostitutes from the union money – not just Thommo.
What a major sleaze ring
Ewwww
Aliice
31 Jan 13 at 8:43 pm
An ‘umble fellow, with much to be ‘umble about!
Rabz
31 Jan 13 at 9:01 pm
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Mick, who was carefully disguised as a door, had his knob shot off.
I’m going to need counselling now, because of you Rabz.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
31 Jan 13 at 9:20 pm
Lew:
.
Cripes, those whores were cheap.
Mk50 of Brisbane
31 Jan 13 at 9:31 pm
Gheyboy:
So Shagger porking whores on the tick of the lowest-paid workers in the health industry is good. Abbott being a volunteer firefighter is bad.
Riiiiight, Gheyboy. You’re a union rep, ain’t you?
And envious.
Well of course a Union official thinks nothing of porksword freeplay with the
mugsworkers paying for him dipping his wick.But I’ve never heard humping whores and thieving described as ‘defending the workers’ before.
Mk50 of Brisbane
31 Jan 13 at 9:40 pm
Well, when the Coalition was asking the brothel creeper to stand down, the dentally challenged Leader of the House insisted that it would be an outrage if Dobell had no member to represent them.
On face value the numbers would still hold if it was only the brothel creeper.
But they are shitting themselves that BOTH Thommo and Slippery will go, and soon.
Leigh Lowe
31 Jan 13 at 9:44 pm
Assuming he did that then according to most here there is nothing wrong with it as it is free enterprise you know and nobody is forced to join a union.
kelly liddle
31 Jan 13 at 10:45 pm
“I was protecting her from falling overhead beams after she told me this private drinking club for male patrons with all female staff besides the gorillas on the door was very old and well respected, and we were both naked because it was so hot tonight and we were on the bed because it was soft and comfortable and I slipped and I shoved my dick in her, I tried to get away but she was so scared so she’d pull be back and I got overcome with excitement and climaxed…then we realised the building was structurally sound after the bedhead had been slamming into the wall after about five minutes of her struggling to keep me protecting her…she then asked me if she could have some money for a cab fare back to Gerrigong and some ice cream because she was hungry…I’m sure the hospital cleaners would chip in if a mate of theirs had not the money for a can fare and a building nearly collapsed on them…”
.
31 Jan 13 at 10:51 pm
The problem that the good folk of Dobell have endured is that have only been represented by a member
Steve of Ferny Hills
31 Jan 13 at 10:53 pm
Don’t be a DH Kelly.
Steve of Ferny Hills
31 Jan 13 at 10:54 pm
The Member for Dobell indeed.
Gab
31 Jan 13 at 11:04 pm
Speaking of well-shagged whores, funny how quiet monty’s been….
Mk50 of Brisbane
31 Jan 13 at 11:06 pm
He wasn’t this morning. He was on a sugar high and terrified about what this stuff all means.
JC
31 Jan 13 at 11:09 pm
McArdle was being pathetic on the TV. He tried to reduce the whole story about Thompson’s arrest being just about buying an ice-cream, therefore making the arrest look wrong and stupid. Clever, manipulative lawyer.
Andrew
31 Jan 13 at 11:12 pm
JC, I just feel so sorry for him. I really do.
And for poor SfB.
Really truly..
mmmff (lips, please don’t unpurse)
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA…
Who am I kidding?
This whole thing is schaedenfreudally delectable and ‘as funny as a hatful of deep fried monkey twats’ to quote an absent friend.
Mk50 of Brisbane
31 Jan 13 at 11:18 pm
Steve what is wrong with one party buying a product from another. It is actually none of our business. This does not mean I think those people are getting value for their money but it is their choice. Whether $300 is spend on expensive dinners, grog or prostitutes it is irrelevant. The only relevant thing is whether or not people wish to pay for the services offered. The arguments about regulating unions in internal matters are actually consumer protection issues nothing else.
kelly liddle
31 Jan 13 at 11:18 pm
Ye Gods. It’ll be 73 years on 20 August since that brave, lonely, desperate battle was fought, too.
Mk50 of Brisbane
31 Jan 13 at 11:28 pm
No. Unions are a legally enforced monopoly, and not subject to any of the oversight that companies are.
wreckage
31 Jan 13 at 11:32 pm
I can just picture McArdle pulling a Mundine & claiming the Shagger has proved his innocence – in spite of the fact he’s sitting in a gaol cell
He would have made a good Foreign Minister in Iraq
Rousie
31 Jan 13 at 11:35 pm
Wreckage that is not correct the Howard government made joining a union non compulsory.
As far as oversight that is what I am referring to that is consumer protection such as with company executives. In my world any organisation that raises public money should be subject to the same laws so long as they meet a certain threshold. So things like Charities, Super funds and Unions would all fall under this same consumer protection which they currently don’t.
kelly liddle
31 Jan 13 at 11:40 pm
Spot on.
Watching the dick McArdle tonight I immediately thought of “Comical Ali” in the dying days of Saddam’s regime.
Leigh Lowe
31 Jan 13 at 11:44 pm
Gordon Nuttal protested his innocence all the way to sentencing. In fact on quiet nights I can still hear his voice wafting across the air “I did nuttin wrong”.
Splatacrobat
31 Jan 13 at 11:45 pm
The arguments about regulating unions in internal matters are actually consumer protection issues nothing else.
Absolutely it’s consumer protection. There’s probably not one person who would join the union voluntarily if, up front, they were told a certain percentage of your funds are going to be used to provide a whoring binge for one of our representatives.
But I’m somewhat with you, if someone is stupid enough to join a modern union they deserve to have their money pissed up the wall.
John Mc
31 Jan 13 at 11:46 pm
Spot on again.
Comical Ali stunts are all that is left in Mcturd’s kitbag. Between now and Sept Bolt should run a regular segment on Labor Ali quotes.
Splatacrobat
31 Jan 13 at 11:50 pm
Thank you Mk50, phew (sorry, couldn’t resist it)
Lazlo
31 Jan 13 at 11:50 pm
That’s why they are down to 18% membership John. In fact this 18% have a good case to be included in the NDIS and have their union dues refunded as they all seem to be suffering mental illness.
Splatacrobat
31 Jan 13 at 11:53 pm
Ok so we have Comical Ali representing George Castanza.
He’ll probably end up getting life.
Rousie
31 Jan 13 at 11:59 pm
From news.com.au:
“Chris McArdle, who is representing Thomson, yesterday night claimed prison guards stripped naked and searched his client.”
Really??
Capitalist Piggy
1 Feb 13 at 12:08 pm
Good catch, Lazlo!
However, I was referring to Captain Laird and the crew of the Turakina. Surprised and outgunned to a fare thee well, they fought her until she sank.
I had the privilege of meeting one of the survivors.
Mk50 of Brisbane
1 Feb 13 at 12:24 pm
Oh, and the phrase ‘as funny as a hatful of monkey twats’ was his. I had never heard it before.
Mk50 of Brisbane
1 Feb 13 at 12:27 pm