By Malcolm Farr, National Political Editor
From: news.com.au August 24, 2011 12:00AM
Watch: Thomson trouble continues
Embattled Labor MP Craig Thompson has stepped down as chairman of a powerful economics committee.TEN24 August 2011
TONY Abbot this morning threatened to prevent Prime Minister Julia Gillard greeting a visiting head of state to ensure she attended a debate on Labor's problem MP Craig Thomson.
Craig Thomson's former wife, Christa. The MP used his parliamentary email to lobby a company on her behalf. Picture: Lindsay Moller Source: The Daily Telegraph
The threat comes as new revelations emerged that the MP used his parliamentary email to lobby Central Coast Group Training (CCGT) on behalf of his ex-wife, Christa, in March - while applying for $2.7 million in federal funding.
The Opposition was preparing to move a motion this morning forcing Mr Thomson to explain his position on claims he misuse credit cards while head of the Health Services Union.
"It's very important this matter be resolved and this boil for the Government be lanced," said the Opposition Leader demanding Ms Gillard also make a statement to Parliament.
But a senior Labor figure said: "This is complete madness."
Mr Abbott this morning threatened to deny Ms Gillard a pair - the system by which an MP with a valid to be absent from Parliament is matched with an opposing MP to maintain relative numbers.
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He later relented, but has made clear the Opposition will show no mercy with future Government claims for a pair.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to formally welcome the President of the Seychelles, James Michel, who is visiting Canberra.
At the same time the Opposition is expected to move its motion to force Mr Thomson to make a public statement.
A similar motion failed on a technicality on Monday but the Opposition has been encouraged by a statement from independent Andrew Wilkie who last night said a public explanation from Mr Thomson would be in the public interest.
The Opposition has already given two pairs for today, one to Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd who is recovering from a heart valve replacement, the other to Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin who is attending a function in Alice Springs.
That means the Opposition will have 70 votes and will need the support of all six cross benchers to make Mr Thomson speak up.
Cross bencher Andrew Wilkie said the public interest would be served by Mr Thomson "having his say in Parliament".
Mr Wilkie's calls come as new revelations emerged that Mr Thomson emailed CCGT manager Alison Cook dated March 11 this year, Mr Thomson wrote: "Hi Alison, here is Christa's resume as discussed. I will get her to give you a call."
However, CCGT management decided it would be inappropriate to give Mrs Thomson work due to the role played by her ex-husband in the funding.
Mr Thomson last night confirmed approaching CCGT on behalf of his ex-wife but said she was treated the same as other applicants.
"She did not get a job there," he said.
NSW Police are currently assessing claims presented to them by the Federal Opposition and covering Mr Thomson's time as national secretary of the Health Services Union. Fair Work Australia is investigating accusations from a workplace relations aspect.
NSW Police confirmed information was received by police in a letter from Shadow Attorney-General George Brandis.
"This correspondence has now been referred for internal assessment to determine whether a criminal offence has occurred," NSW Police said in a statement.
"As with any other matter ... standardised assessment and investigation protocols will be followed."
Mr Thomson yesterday announced his decision to step down as chair of the House of Representatives economics committee - sacrificing a $12,000 payment that goes with the position.
"The current circumstances will clearly distract from the important work of the committee," he said.
With Steve Lewis and Andrew Clennell
Tony Abbott threaten PM's state meeting over Thomson | News.com.au
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