Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Hansard source

Merry Christmas to you, Senator Sterle, as well, and congratulations on your contribution. But we did hear some very, very lame contributions for two-minute statements from some senators there. What they really have avoided saying over there in the opposition is how antiworker they are. We had another chance today when we brought on legislation that was really important to the government and we saw those opposite once again come in and oppose legislation that was going to help working people in this country. They have form. We saw what they did in 10 years of government, where they came in and did everything they could to drive down wages and conditions. That's not what we stand for on this side. We stand for a better deal for workers. We want to see wages rise. We also want to see conditions improve. As a Queenslander, I've seen so many people exposed by labour hire. It's only a Labor government that will do it. We know the difference that we can make for working Australians. That's why we were so pleased to pass that legislation today. This is what a Labor government will do for the Australian people. I'm very proud to be a member of this Labor government today.