The Governor-General has tabled papers to kick off the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.

The far-reaching investigation is aimed at empowering businesses to be as productive as possible, and cutting down the role of workers’ unions onsite.

A number of scandals and revelations prompted the launch of the Royal Commission, though it has already been criticised for focussing too heavily on Trade Unions, and not enough on business or political corruption outside of the Labor party.

A joint statement from Attorney-General George Brandis and Minister for Employment Eric Abetz welcomed the launch of the probe.

Royal Commissions have as wide a purview as the evidence dictates, but the terms of reference for this inquiry do appear to target the most powerful and influential unions in relation to the Labor party.

Investigators will look specifically at the Australian Workers Union, the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union and the Health Services Union, all of which have been accused of upholding corrupt political links.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says it will likely cause trouble for his political opponents.

“For too long, too many members of the Labor party have been defending the indefensible,” he told ABC Radio.

“I think the honest people inside the union movement, the honest people inside the Labor party will welcome this royal commission.”

The first hearing will be held in April, with the Commission given an ambitious deadline of December 2014 for its final report.

The official papers are available in PDF form, here.