Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

I can inform Senator Bernardi that there is a bevy of support, including from some of the reformed characters from the Labor Party—for example, the former Labor Attorney-General, Rob McClelland, and a current Fair Work Commission commissioner and former Secretary of the Australian Workers Union, Ian Cambridge. Paul Howes of the Australian Workers Union said about our registered organisations legislation:

I have no issue with the Coalition policy.

Mr Shorten said:

There should be zero tolerance of any criminal activity …

It is a pity he cannot bring himself to say that in this place and vote accordingly. Then we had Mr Purvinas from the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association speaking about the royal commission:

I think the union movement should embrace this royal commission …

Commissioner Cambridge said:

… I have steadfastly maintained my firm view since 1996 that a royal commission into this should occur.

The only people standing in the way are the Labor Party and the Greens in this place. (Time expired)