At the firm’s general annual meeting yesterday Mr Grech said that the firm had ‘said all we want to say on the public record’ about Ms Gillard’s role as a partner at the firm amid claims that her then boyfriend misused union money, reports Victoria-based newspaper The Herald Sun.

‘Proper authorities’

‘So far as we are concerned, it is a sideshow relating to events that occurred nearly 20 years ago and has no relevance,’ Mr Grech added.
The federal opposition had been calling for the firm to release internal documents relating to the alleged misuse of funds by union official Bruce Wilson. Mr Grech said that if the ‘proper authorities’ were to inquire, the firm would cooperate.
The opposition also suggested that Ms Gillard may have further questions to answer over the allegations. She established the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) Workplace Reform Association in 1992 while she was working for the firm, but resigned following an internal review.

Conduct

When asked if the scandal was affecting the firm, Mr Grech said: ‘Our reputation is well and truly intact, and I'm not aware of any serious journalist or any serious public commentator who has cast any aspersion on the conduct of anyone who is present at Slater & Gordon.’