SENATOR THE HON MICHAELIA CASH
SHADOW MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE
SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA
MEDIA RELEASE
2 SEPTEMBER 2022
ALBANESE GOVERNMENT MINISTER PRAISES STRIKE ACTION
The prospect of large parts of the economy being shut down as a result of strike action, has today been confirmed by the Albanese Government’s Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer.
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones, today not only refused to condemn strike action, but praised strikes as being ‘an effective part’ of the bargaining process.
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash, said that “for a Government Minister to praise strike action shows that the Albanese Government is not focused on creating jobs or increasing productivity, but only creating industrial conflict which will impact all Australians.”
“The Australian people do not want more strikes. After two years of COVID restrictions, they want to get back to work and get on with their lives.” Senator Cash said.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers was also given the opportunity to rule out industry wide strikes being allowed in the multi employer bargaining system three times on Radio National this morning. He refused to do so.
“It is a very simple question and fundamental to the industrial relations system – does the Albanese Government want more strikes or not? It is outrageous that Labor won’t be honest with the Australian people,’’ Senator Cash said.
“It’s obvious what’s going on here but Labor are being sneaky all the way and most Australians are in the dark about what this will mean for the nation.”
In a week where hundreds of thousands of people in Sydney have faced significant disruption from irresponsible rail union strike action, the Albanese Government has effectively endorsed strike action, despite its significant disruption to our community, small businesses and our economy.
“Mr Albanese’s Jobs Summit has become a farce – Labor do not care about creating job opportunities, they are only about expanding the power of their union mates who donate millions of dollars to the Australian Labor Party.”
“The Labor Government has spent the last week entertaining outrageous union demands ranging from compulsory bargaining fees for non union members, industry wide bargaining and compulsory union induction for migrant workers.”
Senator Cash said that the overwhelming majority of Australian workers do not resort to strike action as part of the bargaining process.
“For the Assistant Treasurer to praise strike action as ‘an effective part’ of the bargaining process, shows that Labor’s upcoming industrial relations changes will result in more strikes, more disruption and significantly damage our economy.” Senator Cash said.
“Labor are obsessed with promoting conflict in the workplace, despite the overwhelming majority of workers and employers just wanting to get on with the job.” Senator Cash said.
ENDS
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