Dyson Heydon delays verdict on himself

Mr Ferguson’s critique came as the union movement waits for a critical decision about the future of the Royal Commission into Trade Unions.

According to the release, the “Royal Commission will make a further statement on the timing of Commissioner Heydon’s decision in due course”.

Senator Abetz declined to say whether the government had a “Plan B” in terms of replacing Mr Heydon should he decide to step aside.

He said the campaign against Mr Heydon was “motivated by venom and hatred”.

Mr Heydon was billed as a speaker on an invitation to the event, which was named after former High Court Justice and Liberal MP, Sir Garfield Barwick. Heydon eventually withdrew from the function, telling the commission he had “overlooked” its Liberal party connection.

“Mr Ferguson said it was as if unions on the right and left wings of the Labor Party were “(dividing) the cake” of preselection for safe seats.

The commission has also postponed a public hearing involving the CFMEU NSW Branch that was scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

The submission described the royal commission as “politically charged”, and said a fair-minded observer could reasonably believe the commissioner might not bring an impartial mind to the issues before the commission.

On Friday, the Commissioner said he hoped to make that ruling on Tuesday, however that will now be made “in due course”.

“The ACTU has always maintained that the prime minister must shut down his political witch hunt and stop wasting millions of dollars in taxpayer’s money”, Oliver said on Monday. “He wants to treat the submissions with respect”, Mr Abbott told 2UE Radio on Monday.

The Liberal Party and Prime Minister Tony Abbott have repeatedly supported Justice Heydon since the news broke.