Union Royal Commission 'A political stunt'

Extract from ABC News

Opposition labels report 'political stunt'

The Federal Opposition previously released an alternative proposal for union reform, in anticipation of the final report by the royal commission.

Mr Shorten has proposed tougher penalties for wrongdoing, as well as additional powers for ASIC.

The changes would also include lowering the disclosure threshold for political donations to $1,000.

Labor's employment spokesman Brendan O'Connor, who called on the Government to discuss the Opposition's plan, said the Coalition would ultimately use the report to attack wages and conditions.

"That's not to say we're not concerned about these matters," Mr O'Connor said. "We are concerned.

"But let's not be fooled here: this is a political stunt, a political exercise, and and it's one that needs to be called for what it is and at the same time we can deal with these serious allegations."

CFMEU national secretary Dave Noonan agreed, saying the report had a predetermined outcome.

"Blind Freddie knows this royal commission was set up to smear Julia Gillard, to smear Bill Shorten and to smear the trade union movement," Mr Noonan said.

"That's all it does. It's not about improving workers' rights."

Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Dave Oliver said the royal commission was "about prosecuting an ideological partisan agenda".

"We have also noted that we believe $80 million was spent on this royal commission at a time when the cost of living is hurting taxpayers, and that money could have been well spent anywhere else," Mr Oliver said. "We have always said that if there have been any serious allegations of wrongdoing, it should be referred to the appropriate authorities for further investigation."