House debates Questions without Notice
Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union
Paul Fletcher Bradfield, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy
3:10 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to a recent statement from CFMEU boss Christy Cain—
Milton Dick Speaker
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.
Paul Fletcher Bradfield, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy
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?
Milton Dick Speaker
Order! The minister for early education will cease interjecting.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
3:11 pm
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—
Peter Dutton Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition
You're still taking his money!
Milton Dick Speaker
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.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
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.
Sussan Ley Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women
The question didn't mention John Setka!
Milton Dick Speaker
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?
Peter Dutton Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition
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—
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
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.
Peter Dutton Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition
Peter Dutton Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition
I'm seeking the call.
Peter Dutton Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition
I'm seeking the call to speak on the point of order.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
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.
David Littleproud Maranoa, National Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture
What about the unions?
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
David Littleproud was there—the Leader of the National Party was there last night!
Jim Chalmers Rankin, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer
He was at my table!
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
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—
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
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)
Peter Dutton Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition
You take the cash—John Setka's blood money.
Milton Dick Speaker
The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw that statement.
Peter Dutton Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition
I withdraw.