Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I can indicate that the opposition will be opposing both lots of amendments by Senator Fielding. First of all, in relation to exempting small business, can I say to Senator Fielding—and I forewarned him I would be saying this—that it is somewhat passing strange that you would vote against a clause that would allow small business to claim conscientious objection, that you would say that should not be allowed, but then say, ‘No small business should be subjected to a union right of entry.’ I confess I do not get it. I want to place that on the record. I do not want to revisit the debate that we had—whenever it was; it seems a long time ago but it was yesterday. But, quite frankly, I remember that when I was in student politics and railed against compulsory student unionism, the first concession that was made was to say, ‘Well, all right, we’ll at least provide conscientious objection.’ That was seen as a concession along the road. So I cannot see why you would vote against that concession if you then say, ‘No union should be allowed into a small business.’ I have made that point. Draw a line under that; move on.