Gillard haunted by dodgy reno
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Former Australia Workers Union official Ralph Blewitt has admitted to using $7000 in union funds to pay for a 1994 renovation on the home of former Labor prime minister Julia Gillard.
Mr Blewitt has alleged that Ms Gillard was aware of the corrupt payment, which was reportedly ordered by her now ex-boyfriend, former AWU leader Bruce Wilson.
The Australian reports that Mr Blewitt told the commission Ms Gillard was home when he delivered the money, allegedly from a union slush fund created to improve workplace safety.
Although Mr Blewitt said Ms Gillard was not directly involved in the money changing hands, he said she saw him arrive at the home and directed him to her then-boyfriend: “Oh, Bruce is through the back. Just go through.”
Mr Blewitt allegedly then met with Mr Wilson out the back of Ms Gillard’s Abbotsford home.
Former union official Bruce Wilson lashes out at a photographer. Photo: AAP
Mr Blewitt identified himself as the “bagman” for Mr Wilson, who yesterday made headlines for assaulting a cameraman.
The former union official threw a punch and hurled abuse at a News Corp photographer who attempted to photograph him as he left the royal commission building in Sydney.
In 2012, during her time as prime minister, Ms Gillard insisted she had paid for her own renovations.
