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Planet Jackson: Power, Greed and Unions
by
Kathy Jackson was hailed as a heroine for blowing the whistle on the million-dollar fraud of Michael Williamson, the corrupt boss of the Health Services Union (HSU). She endured bitter personal attacks from enemies in the Labor Party and the union movement.
But what if Jackson was just as corrupt as Williamson? Or worse?
While Jackson was being portrayed as a Joan of Arc ...more
But what if Jackson was just as corrupt as Williamson? Or worse?
While Jackson was being portrayed as a Joan of Arc ...more
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Paperback, 336 pages
Published
August 1st 2016
by Melbourne University Press
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Start your review of Planet Jackson: Power, Greed and Unions
4.5★
“On Planet Jackson, Kathy came first and members last.”
. . .
“The total payout facing Jackson would reach $2.5 million once legal costs and interest were added. Of course, she would pay none of this penalty unless her bankruptcy trustee could find money squirrelled away.”
. . .
“She wanted the truth revealed about union officials ‘living an obscene millionaire’s lifestyle’ off the backs of their members. Kathy Jackson got her wish.”
Whoa! While tracking corruption in the Australian Health ...more
“On Planet Jackson, Kathy came first and members last.”
. . .
“The total payout facing Jackson would reach $2.5 million once legal costs and interest were added. Of course, she would pay none of this penalty unless her bankruptcy trustee could find money squirrelled away.”
. . .
“She wanted the truth revealed about union officials ‘living an obscene millionaire’s lifestyle’ off the backs of their members. Kathy Jackson got her wish.”
Whoa! While tracking corruption in the Australian Health ...more
When Kathy Jackson was revealed as the whistle-blower on million-dollar fraud in the Health Services Union it's hard to believe she couldn't have foreseen her own fate. Even after reading PLANET JACKSON it's still impossible to believe that somebody with their own snout so deeply in the trough of union funds could not have seen that her own behaviour would be revealed.
Allowing for the slightly anti-union whiff about this book, it's an appalling story, detailed and frankly gobsmacking. Much, quit ...more
Allowing for the slightly anti-union whiff about this book, it's an appalling story, detailed and frankly gobsmacking. Much, quit ...more
Sep 13, 2016
Jennifer (JC-S)
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
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‘Jackson’s rise was sudden and dramatic.’
Once upon a time, a very long time ago, I used to be a member of one of the unions that became the Hospital Services Union (HSU) in 1991. Because of this, I was particularly interested in what became known as the ‘Health Services Union expenses affair’ involving Michael Williamson and Craig Thomson. And, like many others, I considered Kathy Jackson a hero for having the courage to expose Michael Williamson’s million-dollar fraud. Members of the HSU includ ...more
Once upon a time, a very long time ago, I used to be a member of one of the unions that became the Hospital Services Union (HSU) in 1991. Because of this, I was particularly interested in what became known as the ‘Health Services Union expenses affair’ involving Michael Williamson and Craig Thomson. And, like many others, I considered Kathy Jackson a hero for having the courage to expose Michael Williamson’s million-dollar fraud. Members of the HSU includ ...more
If I hadn't already seen the Four Corners program featuring Kathy Jackson and Michael Lawler, you would be entitled to consider this a book of fiction. Instead, it's an incredibly well researched portrayal of union corruption. Some of these people are total train wrecks and while you could almost laugh off the level of hypocrisy from the main protagonist it's far too sobering the plight of those she was supposed to represent. Well done Brad Norington.
...more
I cannot believe the characters in this book and their sense of self entitlement with other peoples money. Powerful unions that are supposed to be protecting the interests of their members but who are ripping them off to live the high life and try to get a lucrative government position with the ALP. Despicable!
Well worth reading. A story navigating the personal and professional life of Janet Jackson, an Australian union identity, who became known as a whistleblower.
As these matters may currently be subject to criminal proceedings, following the charging of Janet Jackson, I will say no more other than to recommend you read the book and make your own decision.
As these matters may currently be subject to criminal proceedings, following the charging of Janet Jackson, I will say no more other than to recommend you read the book and make your own decision.
Loved this book. Couldn't put it down. What people will do for position and influence is blood chilling. Williamson was effectively the boss as his branch had the numbers and his young protégées followed suit as happens worldwide. ....absolutely disgraceful and morally bankrupted people...A riveting read!
...more
Doesn't matter that it was a tale I knew. A recitation of excess and corruption kept me riveted to the end. Strangely felt like light relief - but maybe that was the impact of the myth shattering!
...more
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Many of the names in the book are well known. The stuff they didn't wasn't all that surprising but the cost involved just blew my mind. Every page.
...more
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