Jackson and Lawler
An excerpt from the ABC Four Corners programme that took you inside the world of formidable power couple former union boss Kathy Jackson and Fair Work Commission Vice President, Michael Lawler. 4 Corners airs 8.30pm Mondays on ABC
PT1M18S 620 349A man has been found dead inside the home of former Health Services Union boss Kathy Jackson.
NSW Police said officers were called to the Wombarra home, just north of Wollongong, at 11.30am, and found a 40-year-old man.
A police spokesman said it is believed the man had a medical episode and the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Kathy Jackson's home in Wombarra, north of Wollongong. Photo: Sylvia Liber
The man is understood to be a friend of Ms Jackson and her partner, Fair Work Commission vice-president Michael Lawler.
The couple, who have been in a relationship since 2008, bought the three-bedroom home, Casita del Mar, in 2012.
It is understood the couple have had a number of guests staying with them in recent times, including those they have met through a mental health unit on the South Coast of NSW.
Family friend dead: Kathy Jackson. Photo: Louise Kennerley
In an ACT court last Friday, Mr Lawler said he had been at the South Coast mental health unit and now - following the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth - was doing what he could to help those in need.
Mr Lawler's remarks were made during a bail hearing for a former soldier who was accused of threatening and harassing a female Defence psychiatrist who found him unfit for service.
The ex-soldier was granted bail on the condition he reside with Mr Lawler. Fairfax Media has been told the ex-solider is not the deceased man.
Ms Jackson was found guilty in August last year of misappropriating union funds and ordered to pay $1.4 million in compensation.
The Health Services Union sued Ms Jackson, alleging she had set up a slush fund and then used the money for an opulent lifestyle.
The couple then featured in a bizarre episode of the ABC's Four Corners detailing their relationship and the allegations around them.
Mr Lawler, who took sick leave for more than nine months from his role at the Fair Work Commission while Ms Jackson fought the civil case, admitted in the extensive interview he benefited from the Health Services Union paying for airfares and accommodation.
He also revealed that he has about 60 recordings of private conversations with Fair Work Commission president Iain Ross dating as far back as 2012.
Allegations against Mr Lawler, including the sick leave while on a $435,000 a year salary, were independently investigated by former Federal Court judge Peter Heerey, QC.
Mr Heerey's report was handed to Employment Minister Michaelia Cash, who in turn had given a copy to Mr Lawler before publicly releasing it in the interests of procedural fairness.
Senator Cash said she would provide details of the report to the Senate on March 4.
