Australian union corruption probe finds misconduct ‘widespread, deep-seated’

An Australian inquiry into trade union corruption on Wednesday reported “widespread” and “deep-seated” misconduct, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull urging reform and the establishment of an independent regulator.

The conservative Liberal-National Coalition launched the royal commission to investigate alleged corruption among leading trade unions almost two years ago, despite criticism it was being used to conduct a witch-hunt.

High-profile politicians from the opposition Labor party were grilled, including former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard and current Labor leader Bill Shorten, a former union chief.

“This is not a case of a few rotten apples spoiling the whole barrel,” Turnbull told reporters after the report was released on Wednesday, adding that his government had an “absolutely unwavering” commitment to reform.

“There are many union officials and widespread cultures of impropriety and malpractice as set out in the report.”

Turnbull said a bill to set up an independent watchdog for unions would be strengthened, while a police taskforce attached to the inquiry would be given more funding.