He has offered no explanation about the payments since Fairfax Media's report was published or on Wednesday when we first asked him.

Bill Shorten in 2005. When asked about his time as AWU secretary, Mr Shorten told reporters on Wednesday he had not struck sweetheart deals with employers. Credit:James Davies

Our questions still stand.

Q. Were Winslow workers in 2005 (when the company paid for their dues) aware that they were AWU members?

Q. What did Winslow get in return for paying the AWU?