Sharman Stone (Murray, Liberal Party, Minister for Workforce Participation) Share this | Hansard source

I repeat: I find it quite extraordinary that it is seen as propaganda when a government aims to get facts about workplace rights into the hands of the employee. Perhaps it is a reflection of the philosophy of a party that is dominated by union bosses—and will be even more dominated by union bosses after the next election. I think that is quite extraordinary. Let me say to the member for Lalor, who talks about incompetent policy: as the architect of Medicare Gold, you would know that was the most incompetent, laughable policy, and it died before the ink was dry. I do not think she has much form when it comes to talking about some of the most important legislation that has been passed since Federation in terms of guaranteeing workers a flexible, fair workplace that is going to match the new era of an ageing population, more women entering the workplace, balancing families with employment and older Australians wanting to remain in the workforce long past the usual age of retirement, which was once, say, 65 for men and 62 for women. Therefore, this amendment bill is important.

Question agreed to.

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