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

The Turnbull government believes that registered organisations should spend their funds in the best interests of their members, not promoting the political careers of their officials. Mr Shorten's actions show he was very happy to use AWU members' funds to help further his own political aspirations, possibly in contravention of his own union's rules. The Turnbull government takes these matters seriously. That's why we passed legislation establishing the Registered Organisations Commission last year to ensure unions and employer groups have similar levels of accountability and transparency as companies. We have improved the disclosure requirements relating to personal interests for officers of registered organisations, along with financial accounting and disclosure obligations. We will always adhere to ensuring that the highest possible standards are set by registered organisations.