Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish to make a personal explanation.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the Leader of the Opposition claim to have been misrepresented?

Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Most certainly.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Leader of the Opposition may proceed.

Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In question time today, the Prime Minister made allegations about my time as National Secretary of the Australian Workers' Union. I'm proud to be a workers rep, proud to have improved the pay and conditions of thousands of middle- and working-class Australians, proud to have protected workers from corporate collapses like the kind that the Prime Minister was dragged to a royal commission on, and proud to have fought for the rights of asbestos victims while government ministers fought for the perpetrators. I will always stand up for the workers, while my opponent will always stand up for the top end of town.

Mr Laming interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Bowman will withdraw.

Andrew Laming (Bowman, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I withdraw.