Shorten's quid pro quo QCs
PRO bono legal aid is emerging as the latest off-the-books assistance enjoyed by embattled Labor figures, including Opposition leader Bill Shorten.
PRO bono legal aid is emerging as the latest off-the-books assistance enjoyed by embattled Labor figures, including Opposition leader Bill Shorten.
In his most recent update of his register of interests, Shorten noted that he had a team of legal eagles helping him with evasive answers as he walked through the minefield of trade union royal commissioner Dyson Heydon’s inquiry.
Prominent QCs Allan Myers and Neil Clelland were assisted by former Federal Court judge Ray Finkelstein, the QC who headed up Julia Gillard’s attempt to enforce a new level of media censorship.
Then there was a raft of junior barristers and Melbourne law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler.
Similarly, former Labor MP Mike Kelly received pro bono assistance when he was sued by Liberal Party pollsters Lynton Crosby and Mark Textor for defamation.
After an unsuccessful attempt to have the High Court throw out the case, Kelly apologised.
None of this legal representation would have come cheaply if Shorten and Kelly actually had to pay the full bill.
Voters need to know what value should be placed on the assistance they received, and what, if any, is the quid pro quo? =
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