Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I again refer the Prime Minister to ABC Tissues, which has allegedly breached its immigration and workplace obligations by importing unskilled Chinese workers who do not speak enough English to understand safety instructions. Does the Prime Minister recall telling this House on 20 June this year in relation to continued breaches by ABC Tissues:

All allegations are fully investigated and ... appropriate sanctions are applied ... there has been a full, prompt and, I believe, to date, unarguably an effective investigation in relation to these allegations.

Does the Prime Minister have confidence in his temporary work visas scheme when in fact another 21 visas have apparently just been granted for this site where there are serious concerns of exploitation and mistreatment?

John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The answer to the question is as I indicated in answer to the Leader of the Opposition. The department is taking action in relation to alleged breaches. What the Deputy Leader of the Opposition is asking the House to accept is that a total scheme is completely discredited because one or two companies try to rort it. We are investigating the claims. When the results of that investigation are known, further information will be made available or further action will be taken. But do I still support the scheme? Yes. So do the eight state and territory Labor leaders. They all support it, and they are up to their armpits in using it.