ACTU rules out further action against royal commission

The ACTU has decided against taking further legal action against the Trade Union Royal Commission, claiming that the problem is in fact ‘political’.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has reportedly decided against pursuing legal action against Dyson Heydon, head of the Trade Union Royal Commission.

Justice Heydon ruled that he was not biased a fortnight ago after a claim was lodged against him that sought his resignation. 

“This is a political process, not a legal process and we will treat it as such,” said ACTU secretary David Oliver.

“It remains our view that the only course of action available to the Prime Minister is to end [the royal commission] and we call on him to do so.”

According to reports by the ABC, the ACTU – along with other unions – has determined that an appeal through the Courts would be too demanding in terms of time and funding, with a decision being unlikely before the royal commission’s scheduled end date later this year.  

Last week, the Opposition reportedly failed in an attempt to request Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove to rescind Heydon’s commission.

This bid followed Justice Heydon’s decision to speak at a Liberal Party fundraiser, which led to allegations of bias. Heydon later withdrew from the event, claiming that he had intended to give a legal address as opposed to a political one.

 
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