Doug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

Can I just indicate that the opposition will not be opposing these amendments. Senator Rhiannon is clearly motivated by ensuring that the working class in this country are not ripped off. Senator Rhiannon's got a long history of being engaged in protecting workers whenever workers are under attack. I've been on many picket lines with Senator Rhiannon. I have been involved in many discussions and debates about workplace laws. I have been to anti Work Choices campaigns with Senator Rhiannon. One thing I can say about Senator Rhiannon is that she stands up for the working class in this country and she understands the issues that affect working people far better than Senator Cash ever could.

We think that this bill has just about been talked out. Senator Rhiannon is doing what she always does, and that is to attempt to ensure that workers are not exploited and to ensure that there are checks and balances in the system that will give fair and reasonable workplace laws. We are of the view that Senator Rhiannon is always genuine about workplace laws and always out there supporting the trade union movement and supporting workers far better than anyone else. As I said, I have known Senator Rhiannon for decades. She's been on more picket lines than even I can poke a stick at, and she's always genuine in her view. On the basis of that, we will not oppose these amendments.

The CHAIR: The question is that amendments (1) to (3) on sheet 8145 be agreed to.