Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—This motion is another example of Labor helplessly doing the bidding of the extreme elements of the union movement and setting aside the national interest. The coalition will oppose this motion because Australia's international obligations are already met and reported against by all states and the Commonwealth. ILO conventions should be considered through the proper channels and not rushed into the parliament under the cover of a notice of motion. This particular convention has been around for over 30 years and even the governments of messieurs Hawke, Keating and Rudd have rejected ratification and here, on possibly the last day of the Gillard government, those opposite are demanding ratification. The Senate recently had an inquiry into state government employment arrangements. It should also be noted that it was state Labor governments that decided against referring their powers for employment laws relating to state public servants. In short, the opposition will oppose on the voices.

Question agreed to.