Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, as you know, there has been very widespread concern expressed inside New South Wales, but I must say that, until today, those opposite have been silent. This is the first time we have heard from the coalition on this legislation. If the coalition were genuine, they would be expressing their concern about what Premier O'Farrell is doing. They would be standing up for hardworking Australians, defending their rights to be part of a bargaining process and defending their rights to have access to an industrial tribunal.

The Liberal Party goes around Australia saying they are concerned about people's living standards, but they support a state Liberal government seeking to take away their industrial rights: take away their right to get a fair wage outcome, take away their right to an independent umpire. The New South Wales Liberal Party is implementing the sort of policy that the Liberals in this chamber support: denying workers' rights, taking their advice from the HR Nicholls Society—who, by the way, have brought back Ian Hanke—and bringing back Peter Reith to be president. Back to the good old days of dogs on the waterfront. That is what we see from you. (Time expired)