9 Lives I think you are reading too much conspiracy into this.
I think both the Liberal and Labor parliamentarians will take note.
This is a pointed message that the laws of the land apply to all.
Parliamentarians are protected in some ways but should not be when it comes to breaking the law.
Slipper was given additional advice on expenses due to previous false claims.
He was given "benefit of the doubt" numerous times.
Yet he chose to act illegally.
He must have had some support in the Liberal party because others wanted him gone including his electorate.
His days in the Liberal party were numbered and he knew it.
A large number of parliamentarians are lawyers.
So besides being an MP they are officers of the court and held to a higher standard - remember ex Justice Einfeld.
I think Slipper will get some decent goal time.
I also think upon appeal Craig Thomsons sentence should be doubled for his efforts.
