Craig Thomson: a fund has been established to contribute to his legal fees. Photo: Louie Douvis
A fund has been established to allow supporters to help pay Craig Thomson's mounting legal fees.
Earlier this month Fairfax Media reported the independent MP had only $60 in his bank account, with $23,000 owing on credit cards, and a legal bill of hundreds of thousands of dollars looming.
MPs are ineligible to sit in Parliament if declared bankrupt.
In a letter headed ''Craig Thomson Legal Defence Fund'' the embattled former Labor MP has urged friends to contribute to an account established by two of his supporters.
''I have made it clear on numerous occasions in the media that I am innocent of all allegations made against me before the courts. I strongly believe in the constitution and that people are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,'' Mr Thomson writes.
''Unfortunately these common law principles and accepted constitutional rights of every Australian have been abused by prominent politicians under parliamentary privilege and by some commentators.
''I know that, like me, a great majority of people believe in the rights of all Australians to defend themselves in a court of law.
''To help me defend myself against these wrongful charges, your donations are greatly appreciated.''
The bank account nominated was established by Mark Worthington and Rodney Allan.
Mr Worthington is a Bathurst lawyer who was a former Labor candidate for the federal seat of Calare. The bank account is located in Bathurst.
Mr Thomson said he was aware that ''two retired guys'' had established the trust fund and he was ''very, very grateful''.
''They are two private people, they are not trade union officials nor are they Labor Party officials,'' he said. Asked whether they were former ALP branch members, he said he would not comment.
The 48-year-old MP for Dobell in NSW is facing 154 criminal charges in Victoria relating to alleged misuse of Health Services Union funds to pay for prostitutes and other expenses.
Solicitor Chris McArdle said his law firm had charged Mr Thomson $50,000 to date and he anticipated Mr Thomson's legal bill for the civil proceedings alone would amount to $200,000.
The Melbourne firm Galbally O'Brien is representing Mr Thomson in his criminal proceedings, which Mr McArdle estimated would cost Mr Thomson $100,000.