Australian Labor MP survives suspension vote

Canberra, May 8 (Xinhua-ANI): Australian Labor party member of parliament Craig Thomson remains in parliament after the opposition coalition failed 70 votes to 72 to have him suspended following serious allegations of corruption.

The opposition wanted Thomson booted out for 14 days in what manager of opposition business Christopher Pyne said was a bid to restore confidence in parliament. "This sorry affair has damaged the parliament and its reputation," Pyne told parliament on Tuesday.

The opposition move followed a report of a Fair Work Australia investigation that alleges Thomson, who was elected to the NSW seat of Dobell in 2007, breached workplace laws over the spending of Health Service Union funds on his campaign.

Fair Work Australia found Thomson spent funds on escorts, cash withdrawals, meals and electioneering. But Thomson has denied any wrongdoing.

Pyne attempted to have Thomson prevented from voting on the motion but Deputy Speaker Anna Burke said parliamentary procedures entitled the MP to vote. (Xinhua-ANI)