Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, I can. All registered organisations, regardless of who they are, should be accountable for their behaviour, whether they be unions or employer associations. Your role as an official of one of these organisations does not entitle you to use the members' funds as your own personal piggy bank. It is a fact that these registered organisations do not face the same consequences as companies or company directors for doing the same wrong thing. For example, the current maximum penalty for even the worst misbehaviour within a registered organisation is capped at $10,800 for individuals. If a company director unlawfully uses their position to gain an advantage for themselves, they could be liable for a fine of up to $200,000. Under the current registered organisations act, this is not even illegal. Again, if you do not do anything wrong, you have nothing to fear. (Time expired)