Dyson Heydon’s Liberal fundraiser booking sparks calls to close trade union

As things stand, the government has strongly backed Justice Heydon to stay at the commission, which is due to report by the end of the year.

The email, sent by a Gregory Burton, also said the speech was closed to the media, and questions about the unions royal commission – which is still in progress – would not be allowed.

“The sham – that we have said for so long this royal commission was – has now been found out and exposed”.

NSW Liberal Party chief Tony Nutt released a statement on Thursday saying it was hard to describe the event as a “significant fundraiser” given tickets were only to cover the costs of holding the event.

Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Tony Abbott to take action against royal commissioner Dyson Heydon over a planned address to a Liberal Party fundraiser, as the union movement prepares for a High Court legal battle to remove him.

Senator Lambie said Justice Heydon’s credibility as the Royal Commissioner into Trade Union Governance and Corruption was under question.

Mr Burnside made the observation on Thursday evening when stating that Mr Heydon, a retired High Court judge, would never have knowingly agreed to speak at a party fundraiser.

Mr Pyne sheeted home blame to the New South Wales branch of the Liberal Party for embroiling Justice Heydon in the controversy.

“On the assumption that he as an honourable person did not know the sponsors of the event then you really have to wonder why anyone in the Liberal Party though it was a sensible idea to invite him”.

“As early as 9.23am this morning (and prior to any media enquiry being received) he advised the organisers that “if there was any possibility that the event could be described as a Liberal Party event he will be unable to give the address, at least whilst he is in the position of royal commissioner”, a spokesperson for Justice Heydon said in a statement.

The invitation was on Liberal Party letterhead and tickets are $80.

The appearance of bias and partisan behaviour tainted all findings of the royal commission, they said.

“The CFMEU has maintained that from outset the commission has displayed a bias against unions in the way it has conducted its proceedings”.

“Another problem has arisen that I must attend to”.

‘He now is not fit to continue as the royal commissioner, ‘ Mr Albanese said, quoting from his previous judgments that the appearance of impartiality is grounds for disqualification.

All royal commissions are “political” in being appointed by and reporting to the government of the day, which agrees to their terms of reference and to their main players, such as the commissioner and counsel assisting.