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Controversial Australian MP claims death threats

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Press Trust of India Melbourne
Last Updated : Jan 20 2013 | 3:44 AM IST

Thomson created a stir in the Parliament today as he read out death threats received through the letters and emails.

He also placed in Parliament transcripts of the phone call threats received, news agency AAP reported.

"You are dead - a bullet between the eyes will save taxpayers money", read one such threat.

"Go cut your wrists or better still hang yourself," said the other.

Accusing the opposition and media of creating the hostile environment that he is facing, he said: "You have unleashed the lynch mob. And you have fanned it. And for that you all ultimately are responsible."

Thomson was one of 72 members of the Labor Party elected to the 150-seat House of Representatives in the August 2010 election which resulted in a hung parliament.

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Thomson is alleged to have misused almost USD 500,000 in members' funds on escort services, cash withdrawals and electioneering, but the member for the New South Wales seat of Dobell has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to fight the alleged contraventions of workplace laws and union rules in the Federal Court.

Gillard has suspended him from Labor Party over the ongoing scandal but he sits as an independent. But his vote is crucial to the survival of the Gillard government.

  

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First Published: May 21 2012 | 2:55 PM IST

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