Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Hansard source

Recently, we have heard of disturbing cases of violence, abuse and intimidation perpetrated by CFMEU officials against female Fair Work building commission inspectors, including spitting, threatening phone calls, verbal abuse and—most disturbingly—a threat of gang rape.

Each year on White Ribbon Day we stand together as representatives of our community and pledge to not remain silent and not excuse violence against women, whether it is by union officials or anyone else. I note that four male members of the Australian Greens have taken the White Ribbon pledge. Australians must therefore wonder why they refuse to support this motion.

Perhaps this explains their reasons: the CFMEU donated $145,000 to the Australian Greens last financial year. More worryingly, the CFMEU contributed $1.33 million to the ALP in 2013-14 and $13.4 million over the last 19 years. Given this evidence, their refusal to support this motion is reprehensible. I table a copy of this photograph of the four Australian Greens male members taking the White Ribbon pledge. (Time expired)