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

As I understand the sorry history of Australia's waterfront over many decades, the balaclavas were, in fact, used by certain workers to protect themselves from being identified in retaliatory action by the MUA, which has the disgraceful history of even sabotaging our World War II effort and compromising the safety and security of Australian soldiers overseas. That has now been documented by Dr Colebatch in an excellent piece of work that I would recommend to all honourable senators.

But let's be very clear: I have not condoned in any, shape or form those matters to which Senator Cameron seeks to put into my mouth. I had been asked a particular question and I indicate that I was not aware of the circumstances but am aware that in certain EBAs these provisions apply. (Time expired)