OPPOSITION frontbencher Eric Abetz says the industrial umpire could have much to answer for if independent MP Craig Thomson avoids a thorough prosecution for allegations of misuse of union funds due to a three-year delay in delivering its damning report.
Fair Work Australia (FWA) began civil proceedings in the Federal Court on Monday against Mr Thomson.
The MP has been accused of using the Health Services Union (HSU) credit card for personal purchases, including prostitutes, while he was the union's national secretary between 2002 and 2007.
The statement of claim was based largely on the findings of a three-year investigation that concluded this year but also included several other allegations.
Senator Abetz said FWA would have much to answer if Mr Thomson was able to escape his day in court due to delays in delivering its report on the allegations.
"The low-paid Health Service Union members, whose money was squandered on brothels, on the high life by Mr Thomson, they will be horrified if Mr Thomson escapes full prosecution on these matters simply because Fair Work Australia has delayed it to such an inexcusable extent," he told ABC television on Monday.
Professor Andrew Stewart from Adelaide University said there could be an issue with the time limit in charging Mr Thomson as the matters occurred several years ago.
"It is possible it could be argued under state limitation laws that time has run out for him to be charged for these breaches," Prof Stewart told ABC television.
Mr Thomson said he would vehemently fight the allegations.
Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said that was now a matter for FWA and his own defence.
Parliamentarians could retain their jobs if found guilty in civil proceedings but not if convicted of criminal matters.
But politicians could not remain in parliament if bankrupted.
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