The Australian Parliament is about to live in even more interesting times

The Australian Parliament is about to live in even more interesting times and the new Speaker's mettle will be repeatedly tested, as Abbott & Co. inevitably seek to take a wrecking ball to parliamentary practice in their pursuit of the Gillard Government now that the Independent Member for Dobell is before the court.

The Sydney Morning Herald 15^th October 2012:

“ Fair Work Australia has begun court proceedings against federal MP Craig Thomson over his alleged use of union credit cards to pay for prostitutes.

The national industrial umpire today lodged its claims against the former Labor MP turned independent in the Federal Court.

Mr Thomson faces civil action over a range of offences. As well as the unauthorised use of union credit cards to pay for prostitutes, the claim covers cash advances totalling more than $102,337.45.

FWA is seeking to fine Mr Thomson for these alleged misdeamenours and others, and the repayment of the funds…….”
Statement of Claim in FWA v Thomson here.