Stephen Jones (Throsby, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

that we see from those opposite, particularly from the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Wentworth, they should be standing over at this side of the dispatch box, arguing against the proposition before the House today.

I have some background in these matters. I have had many jobs in my life before I came to work in this place. I worked as a community worker for many years. I worked with people with disabilities for many years. I worked in bars, clubs and restaurants. I was a lawyer for many years. I also had the great privilege of running a union for about five years. I was the national secretary of a union that employed some 200 people. I have some knowledge and background in these matters. What I can say is that the overwhelming majority of union officials in this country turn up to work every day attempting to do their very best to represent the men and women that they are in charge of representing and to do their best to ensure that they can protect and advance their wages and conditions and their rights at work.

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