Former federal MP Craig Thomson's fate on criminal charges over the alleged misuse of union-issued credit cards will likely be known within weeks.
Thomson, 49, has pleaded not guilty to more than 140 dishonesty offences after allegedly using his Health Services Union (HSU) credit cards for escort services and personal expenses while he was the organisation's national secretary and a Labor MP.
Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg on Friday called for additional legal submissions on the nature of the alleged fraud committed by Thomson.
Mr Rozencwajg adjourned the hearing until February 18.
"I'm hopeful this matter will be finalised on the 18th," he said.
Prosecutor Lesley Taylor SC told the Melbourne Magistrates Court Thomson had deceived the union to avoid a debt from the credit card providers.
"The card is issued to the Health Services Union and then Mr Thomson's name goes on it," she said.
"This isn't a personal credit card, it's a business account."
Defence barrister Greg James QC has previously told the hearing that Thomson did not deceive the union or the credit card providers.
