Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

Again, based on the howls of those opposite, it is clear that those opposite still do not understand that we need greater accountability in registered organisations. Is it not enough that just last week we have seen former NUW officials arrested and charged with taking approximately $870,000 from their members?

If those on the other side do not want to listen to us, perhaps they might consider the views of a respected former official like former ACTU president Bill Kelty. What did he say? He said:

I was always on that side of the debate which said that unions are public bodies so they are accountable to members for their management …

Again, all we are asking is that the two million Australians represented by registered organisations are represented honestly and ethically, and that their interests are put first.