Watt A Joke Collaborating with The Greens on CFMEU
True to form, the Albanese Labor Government has continued its weak response to the CFMEU’s infiltration by bikies, gangland and underworld crime figures with rookie workplace relations Minister Murray Watt thinking a deal with the Greens will fix the mess.
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Senator Michaelia Cash said it was clear from Mr Watt’s press conference that he is collaborating with the Greens.
“It appears Murray Watt is collaborating with the Greens to write the legislation that is likely to preserve John Setka’s legacy and influence,’’ Senator Cash said.
“The Greens have never been able to bring themselves to condemn John Setka or the CFMEU so why would the Government go to them on this legislation?’’ she said.
“The Coalition has not been briefed by the Government on this legislation. Shadow Cabinet and the party room will consider this in the usual way when we have been given the detail.’’
“Murray Watt is all talk. He’s been a proud cheerleader for the CFMEU for many years and is now pretending he’s getting tough on them,’’ Senator Cash said.
“The Albanese Government needs to introduce legislation to deregister the CFMEU when Parliament returns next week,’’ she said.
“They also need to admit their abolition of the ABCC has been a disaster and should immediately commit to reinstate the ABCC with increased powers to police the industry,’’ Senator Cash said.
“Anything less would add to the already weak response this Government has had to the crisis engulfing the CFMEU,’’ she said.
“The Albanese Government is desperately trying to fix a problem they created when they abolished the ABCC,’’ Senator Cash said.
“Murray Watt was the one who proudly pushed this disastrous policy through the Senate and he also led the charge that blocked the previous Coalition Government’s Ensuring Integrity Bill, which would have directly combatted registered organisations and individuals operating outside the law,” she said.