Bill Shorten's union took $100,000's from building company, page-64

Bill Shorten asks trade unions royal commission to bring forward his appearance to July

By political reporter Dan Conifer
Posted 50 minutes ago
PHOTO: Mr Shorten last week agreed to front the royal commission.(AAP: Lukas Coch, file photo)
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MAP: Australia
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has asked the trade unions royal commission to bring forward his appearance before the inquiry.
Mr Shorten last week agreed to front the royal commission, with his appearance expected in late August or early September.
The Labor leader's lawyers have today written to the commission asking for it to instead take place next month.
"Mr Shorten desires to bring forward the date of his appearance so he may address all issues of interest to the commission at the earliest mutually convenient time," the letter reads.
"Mr Shorten has been advised by me to not to answer questions or comment on the issues that may be the subject of his appearance before the Commission."
"Mr Shorten has therefore instructed me to write to you to request that the commission bring forward the date of his proposed appearance from August/September to July when the Parliament is in winter recess."
The former Australian Workers Union (AWU) boss is under renewed pressure over revelations a major construction firm paid the union tens of thousands of dollars following a workplace deal that reportedly saved the company millions of dollars.
More to come.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-...unions-royal-commission-bring-forward/6556058