Page 3315 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 24 November 1992
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ACTION - Industrial Action
MR CORNWELL: My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations. I remind you, Minister, that this morning there was a bus strike. ABC radio informed listeners that the strike would be held from 10.00 am until midday; 2CC informed listeners that the strike would be held from 9.00 am until midday; 2CA informed listeners that the strike would take place for about four hours; FM104 informed listeners that the strike would take place between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm. I ask: Exactly what time did work cease and what time did it recommence?
Mr Berry: You probably should be asking the bus Minister.
MR CORNWELL: I do not mind, as long as somebody gives me a definitive answer, which would be an improvement on the answers we have received so far today. What time did work cease and what time did work recommence? Can the Minister confirm that workers who took part in this strike - I hope that one of you is listening - will have their pay docked for the time they were off duty? If not, why not?
MR BERRY: The question would most appropriately have been directed to Mr Connolly. I will pass it on to him in a minute, but I want to thank the Liberals for raising industrial relations as an issue, before I pass it over.
Mr Humphries: On a point of order, I would ask for your ruling, Madam Speaker. Will one Minister or the other be able to answer or will you allow both Ministers collectively to answer this question?
MADAM SPEAKER: For the moment I have one Minister on his feet before me; so, I will wait and see, Mr Humphries.
Mr Humphries: So, you will accept - - -
MADAM SPEAKER: You are asking me to anticipate, Mr Humphries.
Mr Humphries: Obviously, Mr Berry is going to provide an answer and then pass it on to another Minister for a second answer.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Humphries, can we deal with it if it happens, please. It is an anticipatory point of order which I am listening to, and I will deal with it when it happens.
MR BERRY: I rose merely to thank the Liberals for raising the issue of industrial relations. It gives us that grand opportunity to point out the great differences between us. I am sure that their Federal colleagues would not want them to talk about it. Mr Connolly is the Minister responsible for the buses.
Mr Cornwell: Could I have an answer to my question, please?
MR BERRY: He has a complete answer, which, I am sure, will not make you very happy either.
MR CONNOLLY: It would have been more interesting under the Alliance to hear two Ministers - - -
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