Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Hansard source

The National and Liberal parties did, Senator Joyce, because we believed it was fair and reasonable. As a result, the scenario put forward by the honourable senator is once again in ignorance of the fact that it is protected by law—and I will use that phrase—as a result of the Howard government’s legislation. This unfortunately highlights yet another example of a former trade union official in this place so hell-bent on misrepresenting our legislation and proposals that he does not bother to acquaint himself with the facts, the circumstances and the legislation before going out into the community. Senator Campbell has undoubtedly given radio interviews and speeches at Labor Party branch meetings and elsewhere condemning—