Former union boss Kathy Jackson might need taxpayers to pay legal bill

TAXPAYERS may have to fork out for former Health Services Union boss Kathy Jackson as she cannot afford to pay lawyers, a court has heard.

TAXPAYERS may have to foot the legal bill for former Health Services Union boss Kathy Jackson when she stands trial accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Jackson, 49, appeared before the Victorian County Court on Friday for a directions hearing about a trial over the 166 charges she faces.

FORMER UNION BOSS TO FIGHT CHARGES

The former union boss has been charged with 18 counts of theft, 147 counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception, and one charge of obtaining property by deception.

Her lawyer told judge Lisa Hannan that Jackson had a “dire” financial situation and would need to apply for Legal Aid to defend her at trial.

Her lawyer also said there had been a tragedy in Jackson’s family and her stepson had died, with his death the subject of a coronial inquiry.

Jackson’s partner is former Fair Work Commission vice-president Michael Lawler.

His son, Michael Lawler Jr, died at a Sydney hospital on December 1 after falling from a balcony on November 23.

His death has been referred to the NSW Coroner.

Kathy Jackson also attended court last month. Picture: AAP Image/David Crosling

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Judge Hannan on Friday said she would not set a trial date amid uncertainty about whether Jackson would be tried on all 166 charges, whether the prosecution would reduce the charges, or whether she should face separate trials.

“No judge of this court is going to hear a trial with 166 charges,” she said.

Prosecutor Mark Gibson said the trial was no longer expected to run for three months, but two months.

He also indicated the possibility of three separate trials.

Jackson pleaded not guilty to all charges in November.

The former national secretary is accused of passing off $500,000 worth of personal expenses as union costs.

Jackson is due to return to court on May 14 for a further directions hearing.