Barnaby Joyce (New England, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I want to quote what a union official from the Hunter Valley said to me: 'The miners have lost faith in the Labor Party, mate, but the Nats and One Nation did some damage with the IR legislation that went through the parliament'—just to give you authenticity—'If you look after the miners' rights at work and promise you'll fight to the death to keep their mines open, you'll take all Labor's ground.' That is precisely what he said. He was a very respected union official.

The fact of what happened in the Hunter Valley is there for all to see. The Labor Party got about one vote in five, and this is no good. I have listened to the member for Shortland, and I'm glad he's here because I had a bit of a look through his resume. He's the one who says he represents them. The fellow was born in Sydney. He supports the Roosters. He has never done a physical day's work in his life!

Mr Conroy interjecting—

He was a staffer for Anthony Albanese. Of course he's going to be a big supporter of Mr Albanese. He's got his honours degree in economics. He's not a worker. He doesn't support the workers. He's never been a worker.

Honourable members interjecting—

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