A raft of charges against former federal MP Craig Thomson have been dismissed after a magistrate ruled they couldn't be heard in Victoria.
Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg has struck out 78 of 224 dishonesty charges Thomson faced for allegedly using union credit cards to withdraw cash and pay escorts, hotel rooms and cigarettes while he was national secretary of the Health Services Union (HSU) and a Labor MP.
The 49-year-old's defence barrister Greg James QC told the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday that many of the charges related to NSW and Queensland, and were not within the Victorian jurisdiction.
Mr Rozencwajg on Tuesday ruled those charges could not be heard in Victoria.
"It seems to me the appropriate order is they be dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction," Mr Rozencwajg said.
Prosecutor Deborah Mandie said she would appeal the decision and sought to have the matter stood down until next year.
Mr Rozencwajg said doing so could delay a decision on the charges beyond the end of 2014.
"It's about time you bit the bullet," Mr Rozencwajg said.
"The essence of the offending that's alleged here is really brought to the fire by the remaining charges."
Ms Mandie said she would seek a stay and intended to appeal the ruling.
Mr Rozencwajg adjourned the matter until Wednesday morning.
Thomson's bail was extended.
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