The federal government's royal commission on union slush funds is examining allegations that tobacco group Philip Morris helped bankroll a successful campaign backed by union whistleblower Kathy Jackson and federal Labor MP David Feeney, in elections for the disgraced Health Services Union.

It is known the commission is considering the explosive claim, which has been confirmed by Marco Bolano, head of the Feeney/Jackson 2009 ticket. Tobacco funding of the 2009 HSU No.1 branch elections in Victoria was believed to be in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Whistleblower: Kathy Jackson. Credit:Louise Kennerley

While the alleged donation was ostensibly for a union election, the HSU has long been viewed as a political vehicle by Labor sub-factions, and as a factional base in the ALP for Mr Feeney, a current opposition frontbencher and right faction boss.

Mr Feeney has strenuously denied any knowledge of contributions by Philip Morris to the HSU campaign, saying: ''I have not solicited donations from Philip Morris for any purpose since 2004.''