Union watchdog defends controversial raids on union

THE unions watchdog says it is investigating 10 claims against the Victorian branch of the Australian Workers Union stemming from the Heydon royal commission.

The revelation came as Labor, the Greens and crossbench senator Nick Xenophon criticised the handling of Federal Police raids on the Sydney and Melbourne offices of the AWU, which was led by Labor leader Bill Shorten before he entered Parliament.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull insisted the raids were a matter for the independent Registered Organisations Commission, and it was a slur on the Federal Police to suggest any interference.

The commission’s first annual report since it was set up in May this year confirmed it had received 10 referrals accompanied by more than 23,000 pages of supporting material across a broad range of potential contraventions, including failing to maintain proper records.

“The ROC is continuing this investigation,” the report said.

A 12-month investigation into whether the union had maintained “proper records” was expected to be completed by November 30. The sections involved in that investigation included obligations to keep a register of members and for financial reports to “give a true and fair view of the financial position and performance” of the union.

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash this month referred to ROC reports that the AWU gave about $100,000 to the GetUp! advocacy group when it launched in 2005.

It is also believed to be looking at political campaign donations made by the AWU.

The ROC said it received a magistrate’s authorisation for Tuesday’s raids after hearing allegations that documents were being destroyed or removed from the union offices.

Mr Shorten said the raids were the act of an “increasingly desperate government who stands for nothing”.