Fair Work Commission vice-president Michael Lawler has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding himself and his partner, former Health Services Union (HSU) secretary Kathy Jackson.

Key points: Michael Lawler says he was the impetus behind his partner Kathy Jackson blowing the whistle on the HSU in 2012

Michael Lawler says he was the impetus behind his partner Kathy Jackson blowing the whistle on the HSU in 2012 Mr Lawler admits he worked on Ms Jackson's defence case while on sick leave, receiving his full taxpayer-funded salary

Mr Lawler admits he worked on Ms Jackson's defence case while on sick leave, receiving his full taxpayer-funded salary He maintains his leave was fully approved and justified and that his actions were above board

Ms Jackson has been found by the Federal Court to have misappropriated union funds, and ordered to repay $1.4 million in compensation to the union.

Speaking exclusively to Four Corners, Mr Lawler responded to serious allegations that he has fraudulently taken excessive sick leave in order to work on Ms Jackson's case and has benefited from the proceeds of crime.

Judges and quasi-judicial officers rarely speak to the media due to being bound by the judicial convention of not speaking publicly on matters of public controversy.

Mr Lawler said the criticism and scrutiny of his conduct were so extreme that he had been left with no choice but to publicly defend himself.

He also revealed he began recording a video diary last year in an effort to clear his name and save Ms Jackson.

In the five-hour monologue, Mr Lawler explained his decision to speak out.

"I have been involved in matters of public controversy these last several years and I have refrained from making public comment," he said.

"But having weighed the matter carefully I can see that it is my duty to make this statement.

"I am going to make some allegations that are properly described as sensational."

Mr Lawler also revealed he was the impetus behind Ms Jackson blowing the whistle on union corruption inside the HSU in 2012, and that he helped organise a private investigator to look into the conduct of Craig Thomson and Michael Williamson.

"She blew the whistle because I urged her and encouraged her to do so and reminded her that it was her duty to do so," he said.

"Really this, for her, is a case of redemption."

Lawler admits to working on Jackson's defence while on leave

Filming with Four Corners for five weeks, Mr Lawler's decision to break his silence coincides with a government-ordered investigation into his conduct announced last week.

His vice presidency at the Fair Work Commission can only be terminated through a motion of Parliament.

Mr Lawler has been criticised over his involvement with the legal dramas of Ms Jackson, his partner of seven years, while on extended leave.

He has taken more than nine months' sick leave since May 2014.

Mr Lawler confirmed to Four Corners that during his time off he spent extensive time working on Ms Jackson's defence. All the while he was paid his full, taxpayer-funded salary of approximately $430,000.

Sorry, this video has expired 'I met and formed a relationship with Katherine Jackson': Michael Lawler

Ms Jackson, who is now the subject of a criminal investigation, is appealing the $1.4 million civil finding against her.

Throughout her legal ordeal in the Federal Court, and in the royal commission into trade union corruption, Mr Lawler has remained by Ms Jackson's side.

On Four Corners, Ms Jackson speaks for the first time since the Federal Court finding against her. In a series of revealing interviews, she maintains her innocence, responds to questions about her mental health issues and defends her partner.

"For Michael Lawler to be removed from office because he's done the right thing and supported me, then there's something wrong with this country, something seriously wrong with our political system and the judicial system," she said.

Mr Lawler said he was aware of the impact of the controversy on his reputation but he stood by Ms Jackson.

"I'll be characterised as that scumbag, crook, fraudster and at the very best somebody who's been bewitched by an evil harridan, namely Kathy," he said.

Mr Lawler told Four Corners all leave had been fully approved and justified and his actions had been above board.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking leave to help your partner defend herself against unjust attacks," he said.

"In fact I would have thought most Australians would regard that as an honourable and decent thing to do.

"My taking of sick leave was entirely a function of urgent advice from medical experts."

You can see the full story by Caro Meldrum-Hanna online.