Gillard 'knew nothing' about AWU scandal: Wilson

Updated November 25, 2012 08:34:04

Julia Gillard’s former boyfriend has spoken out to defend her, saying the Prime Minister knew nothing about a union scandal in the 1990s.

In this morning’s News Limited and Fairfax papers, former Australian Workers Union (AWU) official Bruce Wilson says a “witch hunt” will not be able to find anything that will do the Prime Minister any harm.

Ms Gillard has been facing questions for months about her involvement in establishing an AWU fund on behalf of Mr Wilson during her time as a lawyer for Slater and Gordon.

The fund was allegedly used by Mr Wilson and another union official, Ralph Blewitt, to pay for part of a home loan and defraud union members.

The home had been purchased by Mr Blewitt in 1993 and was rented out by Mr Wilson.

Ms Gillard has consistently denied any wrongdoing, saying she was under the impression the fund would be used for legitimate purposes, namely to support the re-election of union officials.

Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph, Mr Wilson said Ms Gillard “knew absolutely, categorically nothing” about the affair.

Earlier this week Mr Blewitt returned to Australia, declaring Ms Gillard still had questions to answer about the fund.

He said he would speak with the Victorian Police about his recollection of the events.

But Mr Wilson told The Sunday Telegraph that Ms Gillard’s critics should not rely on Mr Blewitt.

“Relying on Ralph to be your star witness is a very, very risky strategy,” he said.

“It’s not one I would be prepared to take.”

The Coalition has warned the issue will dominate Parliament when it resumes on Monday for the final sitting week of the year.

Deputy Opposition leader Julie Bishop says Mr Wilson’s claims do not change anything.

She says Mr Wilson should go to the police and make an official statement.

In August, Ms Gillard spoke about the issue at length during an exhaustive media conference.

Topics: gillard-julia, government-and-politics, unions, fraud-and-corporate-crime, australia

First posted November 25, 2012 08:31:07

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