Kate Lundy (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Ellison, Minister for Justice and Customs. Can the minister tell the Senate what specific action has been taken in response to allegations made in the Canberra Times newspaper on 16 March 2006 by Filipino migrant worker Mr Margarito ‘Gary’ Sorrosa that he had his passport stolen and was kidnapped by a group of five men linked to his employer, the Pangaea restaurant in Canberra, following a dispute about workplace conditions? In particular, can the minister confirm that there is an ongoing Australian Federal Police investigation into Mr Sorrosa’s allegations?

Can the minister also confirm that LHMU organiser Mr David Bibo, who is representing Filipino migrant workers who have been underpaid, was last week granted an interim personal protection order against Domenic Pelle, the owner of Zeffirelli’s restaurant in Canberra, because of an alleged threat on Mr Bibo’s life? Can the minister now outline what action is being taken by the AFP to protect Mr Bibo and the skilled Filipino migrant workers here on 457 visas?