A tactical battle !

Most Australian's are fascinated by the battle of tactics being fought inside parliament house in Canberra.

Prime minister Gillard and her government are defending the member for Dobell, Craig Thomson - who is accused of using union funds to access " sex services " while he headed the Health Services union from 2002-07.

It seems that more than $ 100,000 is involved and the evidence chain shows that the source of acquisition came from a credit card issued to the member, which was verified by his driving license - and which originated from motel rooms booked in his name.   He claims that these debts were not his, but refuses to explain who might otherwise have access to his card, or if he suffered a burglary and loss of the cards.

This murky matter becomes more complex when it was revealed that Thomson sued a leading newspaper which broke the story - but later withdrew from the case, causing him to be saddled with heavy legal costs that he was unable to pay.  The Labor party rode to the rescue and contributed $ 90,000, saving him from bankruptcy - and consequently  losing his seat in parliament - and bringing down the government.

The aggrieved union involved has made it clear that they will fully assist in any police enquiry into this misuse of their funds - and the Opposition is using every legal tactic in the book to ensure that this keeps on the front pages of the media - and that a speedy enquiry is not derailed by being left to a Fair Trading investigation.

This matter will remind some of the events of 1975 - when the Governor General sacked prime minister Gough Whitlam.    Clearly, the fate of Julia Gillard's government rests on this one member retaining his seat, and that will depend on whether the Opposition manages to win the tactical battle and bring this matter to a decisive outcome.

If that outcome results in the member being found guilty of a criminal charge, the fate of the government will depend on the punishment handed down.   A term of incarceration of one year or more will automatically declare his seat vacant - and lead to a by-election.

It is possible that high priced lawyers will drag out the proceedings and delay the enquiry, but the damage may already have been done.   This government's poll ratings are abysmal and these accusations can only reinforce the perception that the present government lacks coherency - and is simply staggering from one crisis to another.

Win,  lose or draw -  event a hint of hiding a crime can be the kiss of death to public confidence  !