The focus on corruption in Australia continues

the Royal Commission into Trade Union

The spotlight on corruption in Australia has intensified recently, with a number of high profile investigations at both the State and Federal level. The issue of corruption in government and the political sphere has garnered widespread public attention, particularly following the resignation of the New South Wales Premier after hearings of the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

The Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption continues this focus, having been established on 13 March 2014 in response to allegations of financial irregularities and corrupt governance structures in the Australian trade union movement. This Royal Commission clearly seeks to continue the intense scrutiny of potential corruption in governance, an exercise being similarly conducted across Australia in a number of other sectors.

Terms of reference

Under its terms of reference, the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption (Royal Commission) is tasked with investigating allegations of bribery, secret commissions and unlawful payments and benefits, including improper fundraising, within trade unions in Australia.

The terms of reference extend to an examination of separate entities established by unions purportedly for industrial purposes or for the welfare of their members. This includes investigation of alleged activities relating to the establishment or operation of such entities, circumstances in which funds are paid to such entities and the extent to which union members receive benefits from such...