Amanda Rishworth (Kingston, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, I thank the member for his question. I think every member of this House would have absolutely no tolerance for intimidation of journalists or, indeed, anyone in this country. I am going to speak to whistleblowing for people coming forward about the CFMEU, because that does fall into my responsibilities. Not only are there protections in the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act; our government specifically built in whistleblower protections in the administration. And, of course—

Well, I was asked about whistleblowers and protections for Australians, so I am answering that question. There are specific provisions in the administration that protect people coming forward. I would make one point, though. In my conversations with the administrator, the action that he is taking ensures, first and foremost, the safety of his staff. That is the seriousness with which he is undertaking his work, the safety of his staff, and of course that extends to all Australians. We take this job seriously. We are taking this with the level of attention that those opposite have not done.

There is no place for violence in this country. There is no place for intimidation of anyone—journalists or any Australian worker. We are committed, as I've said on numerous occasions, to getting the job done—stamping out violence, criminality and corruption from the building industry. We are committed to doing just that.

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