Former Fair Work Commission deputy admits guilt after illegal images shown in lecture

Former deputy president of the Fair Work Commission, Alan Boulton, admitted to possessing child abuse material after the content appeared by mistake during a Monash University presentation on February 5. He pleaded guilty to two counts at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, with a third charge withdrawn. Police confiscated his devices during raids on his Middle Park residence and a Sydney home, and later seized additional equipment.

Boulton, who was granted bail in August and permitted to travel abroad, will return to court for a plea hearing in March. Monash University suspended and terminated his employment following the incident. Boulton’s career includes roles as the first legal officer for the Australian Council of Trade Unions and adviser to the International Labour Organisation in several Asian nations, and he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2002.