Advertisement

No charges to be laid over AWU raid tip-offs

TV crews arrived at offices of the Australian Workers' Union before police.

TV crews arrived at offices of the Australian Workers' Union before police. Photo: ABC

Media leaks about raids on Australian Workers’ Union headquarters will not result in criminal charges.

The Australian Federal Police referred evidence to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions last year after media outlets were tipped off in October 2017 about raids on the union’s Sydney and Melbourne offices.

“The AFP can confirm the CDPP has advised they will not be proceeding with a prosecution as there are no reasonable prospects of conviction,” the AFP said in a statement.

“The AFP considers this investigation finalised.”

The raids drew scrutiny because TV crews arrived at the offices before police after a tip-off from then employment minister Michaelia Cash’s media adviser David De Garis.

Mr De Garis later quit over the leaks, while Senator Cash has consistently denied any knowledge of the raids or tipping off journalists.

Police and officials from the Registered Organisations Commission were searching for documents relating to an AWU donation to activist group GetUp when Opposition Leader Bill Shorten headed up the union more than a decade ago.

The AFP told the Federal Court on Monday the CDPP would not pursue charges.

Labor’s employment spokesman Brendan O’Connor said while he respected the independence of police and prosecutors, it was disappointing no charges were laid.

“Senator Cash confirmed to the Senate that a staffer confessed to a crime,” Mr O’Connor tweeted.

-AAP

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.