National

Disgraced ex-MP sentenced to four years' jail

By AAP Newswire

Dec 18, 2025

Craig Thomson (file) — Former MP Craig Thomson has been jailed following his latest fraud case. -AAP Image

Former federal MP and unionist Craig Thomson will spend more than two years behind bars for dodgy visa applications and fraudulently obtaining government business grants.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Thomson had pleaded guilty to obtaining a financial advantage by deception from the Commonwealth and two charges involving documents making false statements to immigration officials.

The disgraced ex-Labor MP and Heath Services Union boss was sentenced on Thursday in Sydney's Downing Centre District Court to four years' jail, with a non-parole period of two-and-a-half years.

In 2024 he was spared jail after fraudulently taking $25,000 in COVID-19 support grants for a cafe owned by his wife, from whom he has since separated.

Instead he was ordered to serve a 14-month intensive corrections in the community, expiring in May, do community service and repay the money to Service NSW.

Thomson was suspended by the Labor Party in 2012 and moved to the cross bench after accusations he misused members' funds while at the HSU.

A Victorian court later convicted him over the theft but it was overturned on appeal.