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

I can inform Senator Johnston and the Senate that unlawfulness in the construction industry costs jobs. Unlawful work stoppages have already delayed such vital community projects as two new children's hospitals, TAFE and university expansions, road extensions and accommodation for the long-term homeless. How many children were left waiting for a hospital bed, homeless left without a roof or students left in crowded classrooms while the CFMEU pursued its unlawful campaign to line its own pockets? How many more hospital beds, school classrooms or rooms for the long-term homeless could have been built with the taxpayer funds that were wasted whilst projects were halted by militant CFMEU thugs? How many more jobs could have been created and facilities built? It will protect workers from abuse, taxpayers from waste and the community from a system that fails them. (Time expired)