The Royal Commission into union governance and corruption allegations is expected to commence hearings shortly and has been asked to provide a report of its findings and recommendations by the end of the year.

Jane Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Commission, has urged people and organisations that have information that may assist the inquiry to contact her office.

The terms of reference for the inquiry are broad, allowing Commissioner the Hon John Dyson Heydon AC QC to go wherever the evidence may lead. This means that union officials, employers and anyone else involved in any form of corruption, collusion or coercion will be subjected to equal scrutiny.

Federal Employment Minister Eric Abetz has suggested some employers may have to give an account of themselves, warning the commission was a “sword that will cut both ways”.

Law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth has advised employers should take a proactive approach to the Royal Commission rather than purely responding to requests for information, anticipating the inquiry will delve into donations or payments made to union-related entities.

It is also possible that, in regard to the construction industry, inquiries will be made into the employment of union-nominated labour and the making of enterprise agreements (particularly greenfields agreements).

The law firm expects a number of employers to be called, not only to produce significant volumes of documents but also for individuals to give evidence, and notes that some protection of legally privileged communications and documents will be allowed.

Make sure you regularly visit www.mbavnews.com.au to keep up with the latest news regarding the Royal Commission.