Kathy Jackson apologises for 'judicial gang rape' comments, says HSU is a 'cult' that won’t let her go

Whistleblower Kathy Jackson has apologised for likening an investigation into her alleged misuse of union members’ funds to “judicial gang rape”.

Speaking to 2GB's Ben Fordham today, Ms Jackson said her comments were “clearly out of line” but that the comment was not in reference to the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption, but to the actions of the Health Services Union.

Ms Jackson finished giving evidence to the Royal Commission today and made the comments at a press conference.

The commission has investigated Ms Jackson’s use of a $280,000 union slush fund known as the National Health Development Association – including a $50,000 withdrawal the commission heard was paid to her ex-husband.

“I just need to say in defence for me, I have been going through hell through this, these people just don’t let me go,” she told 2GB.

“When I referred to the judicial gang rape I was not referring to the Royal Commission, I was referring about the actions the union, the Health Services Union, are taking against me in the federal court on numerous fronts, not only this year, but in previous years.

“It’s like trying to leave a cult and they won’t let you go. They’ve got lawyers, guns and money, and they’re throwing everything at me.”

Ms Jackson also said at the press conference that she “could not believe the audacity” of one-time lover Mark Irving, now the barrister for the Health Services Union, cross-examining her before the commission about her alleged improper use of union funds.

She had fought to prevent Mr Irving questioning her, claiming he would be biased – a claim rejected by the commission – but today dismissed their brief affair of 21 years ago.

She has previously referred to the affair as a “charity shag”.

The commission will continue next week with investigation of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.