Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bill Shorten has described as an "unfair smear" a news report that says he oversaw a controversial deal to boost union members during his time as boss of the Australian Workers Union.
The article published by Fairfax details evidence provided to the royal commission into trade unions established by the Coalition. Invoices show the AWU invoiced builder Winslow Constructions $38,000 in union fees. The practice of companies paying workers union fees is frowned upon.
The Opposition Leader said he would be happy to appear before the royal commission but said he had done nothing wrong.
"The story in today's paper is an unfair smear," Mr Shorten told reporters in Sydney.
"Any implication that I am not completely motivated and committed to getting a better deal for workers, for productive relations at companies and for standing up for people is completely unfair and false," he said.
When pressed why a private company would pay members' union fees – Mr Shorten said the agreement the union struck delivered pay rises for workers and said the question was a matter for the company.
When asked if he would be happy to appear before the royal commission if called, Mr Shorten said: " I have indicated I'm more than happy to co-operate".
But he refused to say if it was right for his successor at the AWU and factional ally, Ceaser Melham, to quit his position as Victorian government whip.
"I left the union at the end of 2007. It is matter for him," he said.
Mr Shorten challenged Mr Abbott to a town hall debate to compare their records in standing up for workers.
Cabinet Minister Christopher Pyne on Thursday said Mr Shorten should shine a light on the deal between the AWU and Winslow Constructions.
"What the Australian people want to know is what he knew and when, about these arrangements with Winslow Constructions," he said.
Shadow employment minister Brendan O'Connor defended the integrity of the Labor leader.
"He has fought for Australian workers his entire adult life. He did so as a leader of the union movement. He's doing so now as the Leader of the Opposition."
Mr O'Connor accused the government of conducting a "witch hunt" through the royal commission.
"The bigger question in all of these matters is, why is the government in a position to spend tens of millions of taxpayers' dollars to just go after the political opponents as it sees it. We think that's unconscionable and indeed it's improper and the government really of course who are seeking to smear us will indeed have to account for that now and at a later date," he said.
