House debates

Tuesday, 6 September 2022

Questions without Notice

Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union

3:10 pm

Photo of Paul FletcherPaul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to a recent statement from CFMEU boss Christy Cain—

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Order! The Manager of Opposition Business will resume his seat. I've been crystal clear about the use of props before. This is a final warning to all members. If props are used during question time you will be sat down immediately. I give the call to the Manager of Opposition Business to read the question without props.

Photo of Paul FletcherPaul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to a recent statement from CFMEU boss Christy Cain: 'We did it. It's now the Australian Labor Party's turn to deliver. We have to actively keep our collective foot on the throats of every politician.' Prime Minister, are these threats against politicians appropriate? Is this what the CFMEU gets for its donations?

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Order! The minister for early education will cease interjecting.

3:11 pm

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

The question goes to a particular union, the CFMEU. I'm pleased to get a question about that. When I was confronted with the issue of John Setka, what I did was expel him from the Australian Labor Party. What I did when there were issues—

Photo of Peter DuttonPeter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

You're still taking his money!

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Order! The members on my left have asked a question. The manager was heard in silence. I am requesting of the House that the Prime Minister be heard in silence.

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

When I've seen inappropriate behaviour within the party I am now proud to lead, I take action. I expelled John Setka from the Labor Party.

Photo of Sussan LeySussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | | Hansard source

The question didn't mention John Setka!

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has been constantly interjecting during question time. I ask her to cease her interjections. The Leader of Opposition, on a point of order?

Photo of Peter DuttonPeter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

On relevance: the Prime Minister talks about virtue, and that he's done this with John Setka. They've taken millions of dollars, the Labor Party, from the—

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Order! Resume your seat. The Leader of the House?

Photo of Mr Tony BurkeMr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, you earlier made a ruling about people using points of order to raise new issues that were not in the question and to add to the question, which is exactly what the Leader of the Opposition is now doing.

Photo of Peter DuttonPeter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

Mr Speaker—

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Resume your seat.

Photo of Peter DuttonPeter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

I'm seeking the call.

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Resume your seat.

Photo of Peter DuttonPeter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

I'm seeking the call to speak on the point of order.

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

And I've requested you resume your seat.

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

When I've seen inappropriate behaviour, I've acted. The Leader of the Opposition has said that, because there was a CFMEU member at the Jobs and Skills Summit, that is why he didn't attend. That's the reason given by those opposite. Perhaps that also explains why he wasn't at the Minerals Council dinner last night, because there was also a CFMEU member there! But the thing we really have in common is: when you have an opportunity to contribute, when you have an opportunity to engage, this Leader of the Opposition doesn't turn up. He doesn't turn up because he has nothing positive to offer, unlike the Leader of the Nationals and unlike the range of businesses who turned up last night—BHP, Rio Tinto, Santos, Glencore, Dyno Nobel.

Photo of David LittleproudDavid Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture) Share this | | Hansard source

What about the unions?

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

David Littleproud was there—the Leader of the National Party was there last night!

Photo of Jim ChalmersJim Chalmers (Rankin, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer) Share this | | Hansard source

He was at my table!

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

He was there enjoying the company of the Treasurer! I did read a comment from someone:

It is clear to me that an insular minority within the party currently holds sway with a narrow world view out of step with our more secular, inclusive, and diverse community, and the issues that are most important.

Who said that? Nigel Satterley, from Western Australia. And what's the Liberal Party doing? Expelling him from the Liberal Party. Treasonous words in the modern Liberal Party! They went back to two seats in WA. They lost four seats in the house of reps in WA—

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

I ask the Prime Minister to return to the question.

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

and here they are, ranting and raving about a union. Their obsession it knows no ends.

The fact is that, where we see inappropriate behaviour, we call it out. When Nigel Satterley, who has been a lifelong member of the Liberal Party, speaking up in favour of democracy, they expel him. (Time expired)

Photo of Peter DuttonPeter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

You take the cash—John Setka's blood money.

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw that statement.

Photo of Peter DuttonPeter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

I withdraw.